Teen Charged Over Tragic Channel Boat Disaster
A 19-year-old has been charged with piloting a boat that capsized in the English Channel, killing four people.
19-Year-Old Held in Connection with Fatal Boat Capsize
Deputy District Judge Nicola Fleck took the teenager, who has no fixed address, into custody. He will appear at Canterbury Crown Court on January 16. During the brief hearing, the accused sat silently, dressed in a navy puffer jacket.
The teen, named only as Bah, was charged on December 14 with piloting a boat intended to breach UK immigration laws. Court documents state there were between 43 and 48 passengers onboard, all non-UK nationals.
Massive Rescue Operation Launched After Boat Capsize
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of December 14, when a major rescue kicked off at 2.16am off the Kent coast. The Royal Navy, French Navy, Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats, ambulance service, and police sprang into action.
- Four people died, including a teenager.
- Thirty-nine others were rescued.
The circumstances around the deaths are now under investigation by Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, with help from the National Crime Agency.
Legal and Police Update on Channel Disaster
A man was arrested Friday, and by Sunday Kent Police announced a formal charge against Bah. The charge states he knowingly aided the attempted arrival of asylum seekers.
Efforts continue to identify the deceased and trace their next of kin as the investigation moves forward.
