A 19-year-old South Sudanese national has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for piloting an overcrowded inflatable boat carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel in July. The crossing, which involved a so-called "super-dinghy," marked at the time the largest number of people illegally transported in a small vessel into UK waters, although it has since been exceeded by a separate dinghy carrying 230 individuals.

Chan Atak was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court after admitting to one count of endangering lives at sea. The court heard that Atak navigated the 47-foot inflatable boat from France into British territorial waters on July 23. The vessel, described by the court as being in poor condition, had only one functioning outboard engine out of two, with tubing that had begun to deflate during the 24-hour crossing. Additionally, lacking adequate navigation equipment, the boat was overcrowded with 165 migrants, including 31 children, one of whom was 14 years old. The majority of passengers wore life jackets that were later deemed substandard.

In sentencing Atak, Judge Sarah Counsell emphasized the significant responsibility held by individuals operating such vessels, noting that the risks posed by continuing the journey in an overcrowded and poorly maintained boat would have been clear to anyone with navigational experience. The judge also indicated that Atak’s prison sentence would typically lead to a recommendation for deportation.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Atak had applied for asylum in the UK. However, the judge remarked that his circumstances were common among those attempting to cross the Channel in this manner. Evidence presented in court included drone footage apparently showing Atak operating the boat’s engine before shutting it down and removing a distinctive jacket as Border Force officials approached.

Atak’s defense lawyer, Audrey Mogan, acknowledged that her client had driven the boat but contended that he was not responsible for the safety of the passengers. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Channel in unsafe vessels and the challenges authorities face in managing such crossings.