Story thread · 9 reports / 6 sources

Teenager charged with piloting 'mega dinghy' carrying 165 migrants across Channel

thenationalnews.com · 14dShare

A teenager is to face trial after being charged with piloting a “mega dinghy” carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel. Chan Mathok Atak, 19, from South Sudan, is accused of endangering lives during a journey by sea on July 23. The number of migrants on board represents the largest number on a single vessel, surpassing the previous record of 128. Mr Atak denied the charge during a brief appearance at Margate Magistrates' Court on Monday. The court was told the rigid-hulled inflatable boat left the French coast last Thursday and headed towards Dover with 167 people on board. The vessel was intercepted by Border Force agents and Mr Atak is alleged to have been one of the two pilots. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on August 24. A Border Security Command vessel was pictured towing the 13-metre boat, which is about the length of a bus, into Dover. According to Home Office figures, 366 migrants crossed the Channel in three boats during sunny weath

First report: Teenager charged with piloting small boat from France to UK — standard.co.uk, 16d