Man admits smuggling Albanians on Channel yacht

A man who sailed with 17 passengers on a yacht from France has pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal immigration to the UK.

The vessel was bound for the coast near Portland, Dorset, on 27 August, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

On board were 16 Albanian men and one boy, who were dealt with by immigration authorities, the agency added.

It said Eno Gajda, a 58-year-old Albanian fisherman, would be sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 18 November.

Gajda had sailed the 40ft yacht from Dielette, France, the NCA said.

It was tracked across the English Channel before being intercepted by Border Security Command officers and escorted to Portland Marina.

NCA Branch Commander Andy Tickner said: "This was a brazen attempt to smuggle a group of vulnerable migrants to the UK.

"Although Gadja had some experience at sea, navigating across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes was highly dangerous and put many lives at risk.

"Targeting people smugglers like this remains a priority for the NCA, and we're doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle the gangs involved, wherever they operate."