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A 19-year-old Sudanese national, Chan Mathok Atak, has been charged in connection with a Channel crossing involving a notably large vessel. The National Crime Agency reported that Atak is alleged to have piloted a “mega dinghy” carrying a record-breaking 165 migrants from France to England. He faces charges of endangering another person during this sea journey and is scheduled to appear at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
This recent crossing surpassed the previous high set in July, where 128 individuals crossed the Channel on a single boat. The vessel involved in the latest incident was approximately 13 meters (42 feet) long, roughly the size of a standard bus. Border Security Command personnel were seen towing the dinghy upon its arrival in Dover, Kent, on Thursday afternoon.
Data from the Home Office reveals that over 13,000 migrants have arrived so far in 2026. This figure marks a 45% decrease compared to the same period in 2025 and an 18% reduction from 2024. On Thursday alone, 366 people made the crossing in three separate boats, under warm, sunny weather and calm sea conditions. The day before, 172 migrants arrived on three boats, ending an 11-day pause caused by windy weather in the Channel.
The refugee charity Care4Calais has expressed concerns about the increasing risks associated with these crossings. They noted that the route is becoming “more and more dangerous” as the number of people crammed into each boat continues to rise, raising significant safety issues for those attempting the journey
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