Man jailed for record breaking small boat crossing
Chan Mathok Atak piloted 165 people across the Channel earlier this year
A man has been sentenced to more than 2 years for his role in piloting a record-breaking small boat from France the the UK.
19-year-old South Sudanese national Chan Mathok Atak pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on August 24, having been accused of endangering the lives of 165 migrants.
It's thought to be the highest number of passengers on record - the trip itself taking place earlier this year on Tuesday July 23rd.
The court heard the dinghy had two outboard engines but one was not functioning, while tubing on the boat had started to deflate.
The craft made the journey carrying men, women and 31 children, the youngest aged 14.
Atak has been jailed for two years and three months’ for endangering others during a Channel crossing.