The Newshound

Albanian fisherman admits smuggling 17 migrants across the Channel on a 40ft yacht from France to Dorset

From the Newshound archive · first published 26 October 2026 · last updated 27 October 2026.

Eno Gajda, the Albanian fisherman who pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court to smuggling 17 migrants — including a boy — across the Channel aboard a 40ft yacht.
Eno Gajda, the Albanian fisherman who pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court to smuggling 17 migrants — including a boy — across the Channel aboard a 40ft yacht.

Eno Gajda, 58, told Bournemouth Crown Court he was 'promised' £10,000 for the crossing but claimed he was coerced by threats to his family in Albania. Prosecutors accepted his basis of plea. His yacht left Dielette on 27 August carrying 16 Albanian men and a boy before Border Security Command officers intercepted it off Portland. He stays in custody until sentencing on 18 November.

NCA commander Andy Tickner called it 'a brazen attempt' that 'put many lives at risk'.

Gajda, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity on Monday.

Judge Evans KC told him he will get some credit for his guilty plea.

MoreLBCFisherman admits smuggling Albanian migrants across Channel on yacht from FranceGB NewsAlbanian fisherman admits to 'brazen attempt' to smuggle 17 migrants into Britain onboard yachtThe TelegraphAlbanian fisherman tried to smuggle 17 migrants into BritainBBC News - EnglandMan admits smuggling Albanians to Dorset on Channel yachtRayoFisherman pleads guilty to skippering yacht carrying 17 migrants to Dorset coast - RayoYahooMan admits smuggling Albanians on Channel yacht - YahooDorset EchoAlbanian fisherman convicted of smuggling 17 migrants across the Channel - Dorset EchoDorset EchoMan pleads guilty to smuggling 17 Albanians into Portland on yacht - Dorset Echo
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →