Teenager jailed for piloting overcrowded Channel dinghy

Chan Atak, aged 19, has been jailed for two years and three months after piloting a crowded dinghy across the English Channel. The vessel carried 165 people, including 31 children, when it made the journey on July 23. Atak pleaded guilty to endangering others during the crossing at Canterbury Crown Court.

Perilous Crossing Conditions

The dinghy, a 14-metre-long rigid-hulled inflatable, had two outboard engines, but one was not functioning. During the crossing, the vessel began to deflate, and one person was observed trying to re-inflate it. The court heard that the journey lasted nearly 24 hours. Atak was identified on aerial footage operating the boat for 90 minutes while wearing a jacket with an “Italia” logo. He later crouched among other passengers and removed his jacket in an apparent attempt to avoid being identified as the helmsman, according to prosecutor James Harrison.

Judge Sarah Counsell stated that Atak played an "important role" in controlling and navigating the vessel, describing his involvement as not "fleeting or incidental." She noted that such crossings are inherently dangerous, with small inflatable vessels not designed for offshore voyages. The judge added that those steering such boats assume responsibility for the safety of everyone on board. The court was also informed that the vessel lacked navigation and emergency equipment, and fuel containers and batteries were stored together, posing a fire risk.

The court heard that Atak paid 200 euros to a gang for the crossing and there was no evidence he organised the journey or stood to profit from it. Atak's defence barrister, Audrey Mogan, highlighted his young age and his background, stating he had escaped violence in South Sudan and faced dire circumstances in Libya before reaching Europe. Ms Mogan told the court Atak sought sanctuary and safety to build a new life.

As a foreign national, Atak is liable for automatic deportation following his sentence. He pleaded guilty to the offence in August.