The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act introduces a new offence aimed at endangering others at sea, marking what is believed to be its first use in a case tied to Channel crossings.

The offence covers dangerous behavior on boats carrying migrants from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, including physical aggression, intimidation, resistance to rescue, and may involve causing physical or psychological injury.

Authorities say the charges stem from an alleged incident on January 5, connected to attempts to cross the Channel, with the aim of preventing unsafe overcrowding and deterring acts of aggression or resistance to rescues.

District Judge Archie Mackay noted that the risk of potential fatalities illustrates the harm at stake in the case.

Naseri, an 18-year-old Afghan national, was remanded in custody and will appear at Canterbury Crown Court in February.

Naseri will appear at Canterbury Crown Court on February 9, 2026, after being remanded in custody.

An 18-year-old Afghan national, Aman Naseri, appeared at Margate Magistrates’ Court charged with endangering 46 people during a small-boat Channel crossing to the UK earlier this week.

Naseri pleaded not guilty, confirmed his name and birth date through a Dari interpreter, saying he was forced to do so.

The court heard Naseri pleaded not guilty to a new offence of endangering others during a sea crossing without valid entry clearance.

Home Office officials had warned of “floating crime scenes” and cited past deaths on reckless crossings, prompting the new measures to curb Channel crossings.

In the broader context, 32 migrants arrived in the UK on Monday in a single small boat amid freezing temperatures, marking the first 2026 small-boat arrival.

The new offence applies to journeys by water to the UK from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands and carries a potential six-year sentence.