Teenager charged over record Channel crossing on 'mega dinghy'
A 19-year-old has been charged after allegedly piloting a record-breaking 'mega dinghy' carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel. While total arrivals for 2026 are lower than previous years, the increasing density of boats raises significant safety concerns.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of managing irregular migration and the dangerous tactics employed by smuggling networks.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The dinghy was approximately the size of a standard bus
A teenager charged over a small boat Channel crossing was allegedly piloting a "mega dinghy" carrying a record 165 migrants from France to England, the National Crime Agency has said.
Sudanese national Chan Mathok Atak, 19, is accused of endangering another during a journey by sea to the UK on Thursday and is due to appear at Margate Magistrates' Court on Monday.
The number on the dinghy broke the previous record from July, when 128 crossed the Channel from France on one vessel.
According to Home Office figures, more than 13,000 arrivals have been recorded in 2026, which is 45% lower than this time in 2025 and down 18% on the same period in 2024.
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