Key facts
- A teenager, Chan Mathok Atak, 19, has been charged with endangering another during a sea journey to the UK.
- The dinghy carried a record 165 migrants from France to England on Thursday.
- The vessel was described as a 'mega dinghy,' approximately 13m (42ft) long.
- This number surpassed the previous record of 128 migrants on a single vessel in July.
- Home Office figures indicate 366 people arrived in three boats on Thursday.
A teenager has been charged in connection with a record-breaking Channel crossing that saw 165 migrants arrive in England from France on Thursday. Chan Mathok Atak, 19, a Sudanese national, is accused of endangering another during the sea journey and is due to appear at Margate Magistrates' Court.
The vessel used for the crossing was described as a 'mega dinghy,' approximately 13 meters (42 feet) long, comparable in size to a standard bus. This number significantly surpassed the previous record of 128 migrants on a single boat in July.
Border Security Command was pictured towing the dinghy upon its arrival in Dover, Kent. Home Office figures indicated that 366 people arrived in total across three boats on Thursday, benefiting from warm weather and calm seas. On Wednesday, 172 people had made the journey in three boats, ending an 11-day pause due to windy conditions.
Refugee charity Care4Calais highlighted that the crossing route is becoming increasingly perilous due to the rising number of individuals packed into each boat. The Home Office stated that removals of 'small boat migrants' are at record levels, with asylum claims down 12%. A spokesperson added that a new deal with France aims to boost enforcement and apprehend smugglers, building on efforts that have stopped over 44,000 attempted crossings. The department also noted nearly 70,000 people have been removed or deported for illegal residency, a 41% increase.