A Senegalese man, Ibrahima Bah, was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison on Friday for the manslaughter of four migrants who drowned during a perilous crossing of the English Channel in December 2022.
Bah, whose exact age remains unknown but is confirmed to be over 18, piloted an overcrowded and “unseaworthy” inflatable boat carrying 43 passengers, far exceeding its capacity of 20. The court heard that within 30 minutes of leaving France, the boat became overwhelmed with water, endangering the lives of those onboard.
Despite denying the charges, Bah was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry into the UK at Canterbury Crown Court. The judge condemned the vessel as “wholly inadequate” and a “death trap,” highlighting the tragic loss of life and the devastation for the victims’ families.
A rescue operation saved 39 passengers, but four individuals, three of whom remain unidentified, perished in the incident. The sole identified victim was Hajratullah Ahmadi. An inquest suggested the deceased could be of Afghan or Senegalese origin.
Bah, who lacked any formal training for piloting, claimed he was coerced by smugglers into steering the boat after initially refusing due to safety concerns. He stated that he was beaten and threatened with violence if he did not comply.
This incident underscores the ongoing dangers associated with irregular migration across the Channel. Nearly 30,000 individuals attempted the perilous journey in 2023, posing a significant challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who has vowed to curb these crossings. The sentencing of Bah serves as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with such desperate attempts to reach safety.
