64-Year-Old Charged After 8 Albanian Migrants Found on UK-Bound Boat
A 64-year-old man has been charged with facilitating illegal entry to the UK after Border Force officers discovered eight Albanian migrants stowed away on a motor cruiser in the English Channel.
Border Force Intercepts Motor Cruiser Off West Sussex
The vessel, a 46-foot motor cruiser, was spotted and intercepted by the Border Force cutter Seeker off the West Sussex coast on Wednesday afternoon. A coastguard helicopter also assisted in the operation before the boat was escorted into portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth Naval Base.
On board were seven adults and one minor, all from Albania. The group has now been handed over to immigration authorities for processing under UK immigration law.
Skipper Arrested and Under Investigation
Charles Edward Lynch, 64, of no fixed address and the skipper of the vessel, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to facilitate illegal immigration. He was charged late Wednesday night and is set to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates this morning. Authorities are currently questioning him as the National Crime Agency (NCA) launches a full criminal investigation.
NCA Vows to Crack Down on People Smuggling
The boat is undergoing a forensic examination at Portsmouth naval base. NCA Operations Manager Martin Matthews said:
“The NCA works closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our borders, and targeting and disrupting criminal groups involved in people smuggling is one of our highest priorities. This particular incident is now the subject of a criminal investigation, and I’m grateful for the assistance of Border Force, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Ministry of Defence in that.”
Immigration enforcement officials will now handle the migrants’ claims as the investigation continues.
