Full Breakdown
Danny Tommo’s Channel Dinghy Slashing Sparks Police Probe and Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident at Sea
On September 22, a livestream showed anti-migration activist Daniel Thomas – known as Danny Tommo – approach an empty inflatable dinghy in the English Channel and slash its side with a knife while a French rescue worker remained on board. He shouted, “We just wanted to make sure that boat was not taken back to France and used again,” — Danny Tommo.
The dinghy had been carrying about 60 migrants who had spent more than 33 hours at sea after departing a Normandy beach. The RNLI rescued them, transferred them to a Border Force vessel, and they were later taken to Dover for processing.
Background & Context
Thomas founded the far-right “Patriot Platform,” which has organised anti-immigration protests in Dover and Portsmouth. Earlier in the year he bought a small rigid-hull inflatable boat called *The Patriot* with donations exceeding £21,000. The vessel later sank in Littlehampton Harbour; a report attributed the loss to mechanical failure, though Thomas claimed sabotage.
The Channel incident occurred as Patriot Platform supporters gathered in Gosport to block the expected arrival of the rescued migrants.
Official Statements & Responses
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed enquiries into the video and the damage to the dinghy. “Following news that the vessel would be docking elsewhere in the country, police were met with a group of people who remained in Gosport, some of whom became hostile towards officers.” — Police.
- The French coastguard reminded seafarers of their legal duty to render assistance and warned that interference could lead to prosecution.
- The RNLI reiterated that it rescues anyone in trouble at sea “without judgment or preference.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Hundreds of protesters, many in balaclavas, assembled in Gosport on the evening of September 22. Roads were blocked, and police deployed officers and vans to manage the crowd. Six people were arrested on charges including assaulting an emergency worker, aggravated trespass and careless driving.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, praised the decision to divert the migrants to Dover, calling it “a good result.”
Data & Statistics
- Migrants on the dinghy: ? 60 (French coastguard) – ? 50 (some outlets) – 51.
- Time at sea: > 33 hours (French coastguard) – 36 hours (RNLI).
- Arrests during Gosport protests: six.
- Funds raised for *The Patriot*: > £21,000; invoice for recovery work: £1,775 (including £758 for a recovery vessel).
Criticism & Opposition
Charities, including the Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants, condemned the footage as “violent and dangerous.” The activist group Stand Up To Racism called the video “disgusting.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood labeled Thomas a “far-right and outright racist,” a charge he denies and has threatened to contest legally.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of migrants varies between sources.
- Risk to the rescue worker: police note no indication of danger, while some reports suggest possible endangerment.
- Arrest status: police have not announced any arrest of Thomas; other outlets have reported an alleged arrest without confirmation.
- **Cause of *The Patriot* sinking**: Thomas alleges sabotage; The Times reports mechanical failure.
What’s Next
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary continue their investigation, and the Home Office has indicated a separate inquiry into broader Channel crossings. No formal charges have been announced against Thomas, and the legal outcome of the dinghy-slashing incident remains pending.
