This is the first image of the luxury yacht used in a suspected migrant smuggling operation, which saw 20 Albanian nationals concealed aboard as the vessel made its way across the English Channel.

The 23ft vessel, identified as the Tacoma BR, is believed to have sailed from Brest, France, and was intercepted by Border Force officers en route to Newquay on the South Coast on Sunday.

When officers boarded the yacht, they found 19 men and one woman hidden below deck. All are believed to be Albanian nationals and have since been detained pending removal from the UK, the Home Office confirmed.

Rise in Sophisticated Smuggling Methods

The interception underscores growing concerns that criminal gangs are using more sophisticated means to smuggle people into the UK, following a government clampdown on small boat crossings.

The yacht, believed to be a Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343, is marketed as a family cruising yacht. With two cabins, six berths, and a bathroom, used models are valued at between £50,000 and £80,000 online.

Arrests and Charges

Bleda Bega, 44, an Albanian national, has been charged with facilitation of illegal entry and was remanded into custody. He is due to appear at Truro Crown Court on May 13.

Two other men, Florjand Lika, 30, and Romeo Zani, 32, also Albanian nationals, were found to be in breach of deportation orders. They pleaded guilty at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on April 15 and are scheduled for sentencing next month at Truro Crown Court.

Government Response

A Home Office spokesperson said:

“This case shows that while small boat crossings remain under close scrutiny, criminal gangs are adapting their methods, using pleasure crafts and other deceptive means to try and evade detection.
We remain committed to stopping illegal migration and bringing to justice those who profit from human smuggling.”

Context and Trends

While no small boat crossings were recorded on April 13, figures released this week revealed that 11 vessels carrying 656 people made the journey on Saturday — the highest single-day total so far this year.

The incident involving the Tacoma BR was not included in Sunday’s small boat statistics, raising questions about how maritime smuggling via non-traditional routes is reported.

The National Crime Agency continues to investigate links between UK-based networks and organised crime groups facilitating illegal crossings via sea.

This remains a developing story, with further updates expected as legal proceedings unfold.