A Sudanese man has been charged in connection with the tragic drowning of four individuals who attempted to cross the English Channel in a small boat.

Alnour Mohamed Ali, aged 27, faces charges of endangering life following the incident on Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of two men and two women. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reports that Ali is accused of navigating the vessel from France to the UK. While 38 individuals were returned to France, 74 others proceeded with their journey to Britain.

The NCA has highlighted a smuggling method referred to as “taxi boat,” which aims to evade detection by French authorities. This tactic involves small boats stationed at specific beaches, where passengers wade into the water to board.

The charge of endangering life during a maritime journey to the UK was introduced earlier this year as part of new border security measures. This legal provision targets those involved in unsafe transport practices, including acts of physical aggression or intimidation, as well as individuals who resist rescue efforts.

François-Xavier Lauch, a French government official and prefect of Pas-de-Calais, stated on Thursday that the deceased individuals had ventured “quite far into the sea,” emphasizing the dangers posed by the local currents that can be perilous.

The NCA is currently assisting French authorities in their ongoing investigation into the incident.

As of this year, more than 5,000 people have successfully made the crossing to the UK, as reported by the Home Office.

Migrant advocacy groups have reiterated their calls for the government to establish safe and legal pathways for asylum seekers to enter the UK, aiming to avert further tragedies. Meanwhile, Conservative politicians have criticized the Labour party for being inadequate in addressing the issue of Channel crossings.

The government expressed its profound sorrow regarding the recent fatalities.