Teen denies record English Channel migrant dinghy crossing

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.

The vessel was intercepted by Border Force and Atak is alleged to be one of two people controlling its speed and travel.

The boat was poor quality, overcrowded and “appeared to be deflating upon interception”, the prosecutor added.

Pictures of Border Security Command towing the dinghy into Dover showed to be about the same size as a standard bus, at 13m (42ft) long.

Endangerment at sea is a new offence that was created by the government under Sir Keir Starmer to target those alleged to have steered small boats over the English Channel.

In June, two men were the first to be jailed for the crime, each receiving sentences of more than two years.

The previous record arrival in a single vessel was 128 people.

Home Office figures show that while the overall number of arrivals this year is down by about 45% on 2025, the number of migrants per boat has gone up.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external, and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.