UK jails teen asylum seeker for steering overcrowded Channel migrant boat
Migrants are seen on board a boat, which was operated by Chan Mathok Atak, during the crossing of the English Channel on July 23, 2026 [Handout/National Crime Agency via Reuters]The court heard the boat had only one working engine and no navigation or first-aid equipment, and was deflating and slowly taking on water before it was intercepted by Border Force.
Hundreds of protesters gathered over two days on England’s south coast earlier this month, blocking streets in response to small migrant boat arrivals, even as government figures show the number of those crossing into the country since January has fallen compared with 2025.
Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3More than 150 people rescued in English Channel after boat catches firelist 2 of 3Israel deports British activist who protected Palestinian childrenlist 3 of 3Anti-immigration protesters clash with police in UK after boat arrivalend of listThe law, introduced in January this year, is aimed at those who steer boats that put passengers’ lives at risk, though distinct from older charges such as assisting unlawful immigration.
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