Teen denies record Channel migrant dinghy crossing
Chan Mathok Atak, 19, from Sudan, has denied endangering the lives of over 160 migrants by allegedly piloting a record-breaking dinghy across the English Channel. He was remanded into custody and will appear at Canterbury Crown Court, facing a new offense created to target those steering small boats.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issue of Channel migrant crossings, the dangers involved, and the UK government's legal response to combat illegal immigration. It also points to a shift in migrant crossing patterns, with fewer overall arrivals but more people per boat.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Border Security Command was pictured towing a dinghy - estimated to be about the same size as a standard bus
A teenager accused of endangering the lives of more than 160 migrants by allegedly piloting a record-breaking dinghy crossing of the English Channel is to stand trial.
Chan Mathok Atak, 19, originally of Sudan, appeared at Margate Magistrates Court earlier, where he denied endangering lives at sea during the attempt which set off from France last Thursday.
He appeared with the aid of an Arabic interpreter and when asked how he wished to plea, denied having piloted the dinghy.
Atak was then remanded into custody and will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 24 August.
Prosecutor Lucie Fish told the court that, on Thursday, a rigid hulled inflatable boat departed the French coast headed towards Dover carrying the migrants.
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