From Dailymail · · 3m
Teenager from South Sudan jailed for smuggling 165 migrants in overcrowded dinghy
South Sudanese teen jailed for 27 months after leading overcrowded migrant boat crossing English Channel.
In brief
South Sudanese teen jailed for 27 months after leading overcrowded migrant boat crossing English Channel. 19-year-old Chan Atak from South Sudan received two years and three months in prison for endangering lives at sea after operating a super-dinghy carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel. Originally…
South Sudanese teen jailed
19-year-old Chan Atak from South Sudan received two years and three months in prison for endangering lives at sea after operating a super-dinghy carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel.
Record migrant crossing
Chan Atak operated a poor quality rigid inflatable boat carrying 165 people from France into British waters on July 23, 2026, representing the highest number of migrants carried illegally into the UK at the time.
Boat conditions
The boat had only one working outboard engine, deflating tubing, and substandard life jackets worn by most migrants, with 31 children including one 14-year-old on board.
Court hearing
At Canterbury Crown Court, Judge Sarah Counsell stated those who take responsibility at the helm take responsibility for passenger safety, noting the risks of continuing the journey in an overcrowded boat.
Boat safety concerns
The court heard the boat was not seaworthy, with no navigation equipment, safety provisions, or adequate life jackets, and the journey took 24 hours.
Prosecution claims
Prosecutor James Harrison stated Atak paid 200 euros to a gang for the crossing but denied wearing a distinctive Italia jacket with the logo.
Defense arguments
Defense lawyer Audrey Mogan said Atak was forcibly recruited by a militia in South Sudan, fled via Libya, and was beaten and forced into labor before reaching the UK.
Humanitarian context
Atak claimed he was living in South Sudan where war has been raging for many years, saw people shot and throats slashed, and was captured by a militia.
Border security response
Border security minister Anna Turley stated Atak joins 16 other pilots sentenced in three months for endangering lives with flimsy, overcrowded dinghies.
National crime agency
John Turner, senior investigating officer of the National Crime Agency, called Atak 'unimaginably reckless' and stated his actions could have easily resulted in many deaths.
Deportation risk
Atak's sentence means he will be recommended for deportation from the UK, though lawyers may argue it is against his human rights due to political instability in South Sudan.
Shadow home office
New Shadow Home Office minister Blake Stephenson wrote to the Attorney General's Office asking for a review of whether Atak's sentence was too lenient.
Migrant statistics
The 165 migrants on Atak's dinghy represented nearly half of the 366 people who made the journey across the English Channel by small boats that day.
Yearly migrant trend
More than 17,000 migrants have arrived illegally via the Channel so far this year, with the lowest number of small-boat arrivals since 2020.
Legal consequences
Those sentenced to more than a year in prison face deportation and if they make an asylum application, their conviction will be taken into account.
Maximum sentence
The maximum sentence for endangering lives at sea is five years, though Atak received two years and three months.
The essence
19-year-old Chan Atak from South Sudan received two years and three months in prison for endangering lives at sea after operating a super-dinghy carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel.
