In a tragic incident that highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the English Channel, a man has been found guilty of manslaughter after four migrants drowned when their boat encountered difficulties. Ibrahima Bah, a Senegalese migrant, had agreed to pilot the dinghy in exchange for a free crossing. He claimed that he was coerced by violent smugglers to make the journey with over 40 other migrants. This case is unprecedented, as it is the first time a migrant who navigated an inflatable boat has been held responsible for the harm caused to other occupants.
Bah had initially changed his mind about piloting the boat when he arrived at the French coast and realized that it was too small for the number of passengers. However, he alleged that he was assaulted by smugglers and threatened with death if he did not proceed with the crossing. Prosecutors argued that as the pilot, Bah had a duty of care to ensure the safety of the passengers and protect them from the overwhelming risks involved. They contended that Bah could have turned back, as some of the migrants wanted to do, but instead, he chose to continue. The jury found Bah guilty of gross negligence manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry to the UK.
The exact number of migrants who drowned remains unknown, as at least one person’s body has not been recovered. The survivors, many of whom did not have life jackets, were brought to shore in Dover by a British fishing boat with assistance from the RNLI, air ambulance, and UK Border Force. The tragic incident sheds light on the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants who pay thousands of euros to smugglers. The prosecution argued that this particular crossing was almost bound to fail on a sober and reasonable analysis.
The case raises important questions about the responsibility of boat pilots in ensuring the safety of their passengers. While Bah claimed that he was acting under duress, prosecutors argued that his actions during the journey contradicted this defense. They pointed out that Bah could have refused to board the boat or turned back after realizing the dangers involved. The absence of lights and safety equipment on the boat further compounded the risks faced by the migrants.
One of the survivors, Hajratullah Ahmadi from Afghanistan, recounted his harrowing experience on the boat. He mentioned that it was too dark to identify who was driving and that he attempted to swim to safety after the boat started taking on water. Ahmadi described the freezing cold water and the distressing sight of others struggling in the sea. Tragically, he encountered one person without a safety jacket who had already passed away.
The sentencing of Bah is scheduled for Friday afternoon. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life and the need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues that drive individuals to undertake such perilous journeys. The investigation into this incident was carried out by officers of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, and their thoughts remain with the families of the victims who lost their lives during this tragic crossing.