Two Ukrainian nationals have been arrested for attempting to smuggle five migrants into the UK aboard a yacht intercepted by Border Force off the Isle of Wight.
The vessel was stopped on Sunday afternoon. Onboard were four Albanian nationals and one Vietnamese national. The yacht’s crew of two Ukrainian men, aged 43 and 37, were taken into custody and later charged with facilitating illegal immigration. The five migrants were detained under immigration laws.
Authorities say this case is part of a wider investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), in collaboration with French judicial authorities and the Gendarmerie Nationale. “Tackling people smuggling gangs remains a priority for both France and the United Kingdom,” said Julian Harriman, the NCA’s senior investigating officer.
Yachts are increasingly being used for smuggling attempts because they can bypass Border Force detection systems typically focused on small boats. Unlike dinghies that usually land on beaches, yachts can dock discreetly at marinas or small ports.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over such smuggling tactics. In a separate case, Albanian national Bleda Bega, 44, was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in prison after using a hired yacht to try and bring 21 Albanian migrants into the UK.
Border Force intercepted that vessel on April 13.
“This sentence shows the results of our ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal smuggling networks,” said Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle. “We’re using advanced technology and enforcement powers to stop illegal crossings and hold offenders accountable.”
Despite increased enforcement, smuggling by yacht remains a challenge. A former soldier-turned-smuggler, identified as “Nick,” claimed earlier this year that yachts are still commonly used due to the limited security at many UK marinas. He said the routes remain easy and low-risk and that others continue to use them with little interference.
While Border Force is responsible for monitoring the UK’s 11,000-mile coastline, private operators oversee security at harbours and marinas. “We patrol 24/7 and carry out both proactive and reactive operations,” said Charlie Eastaugh, director of Border Force Maritime.
