A Sudanese national has been charged in connection with the deaths of four people who drowned while attempting to cross the English Channel. Alnour Mohamed Ali, 27, is accused of piloting a small boat that was involved in the incident on Thursday.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said Ali was charged with endangering life after two men and two women died while trying to board the vessel. The charge relates to a new offence introduced earlier this year under border security legislation, targeting those who endanger others during a sea journey to the UK.
According to the NCA, the boat was part of a 'taxi boat' smuggling tactic, where small vessels wait at pre-designated beaches for passengers to wade out and climb aboard, avoiding French police detection. Thirty-eight people were returned to France after the incident, but 74 continued their journey to the UK.
François-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, said the victims were 'already quite far into the sea' when dangerous currents swept them away. Ali is due to appear at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Saturday. French authorities are also investigating the incident.
More than 5,000 people have crossed the Channel to the UK so far this year, according to Home Office data. Migrant charities have renewed calls for safe and legal routes for asylum seekers, while the Conservatives have accused Labour of being weak on tackling crossings.
