A duo piloting an overcrowded boat off the Kent coast in a tragedy that killed a woman and child have been jailed for eight months.

Afghan nationals Shah Salim Sajjadi, 38, and Safiollah Mohammadi, 25, were arrested on Wednesday, May 21, after the small vessel – carrying more than 70 people – entered UK waters and was intercepted in the English Channel.

The fatal crossing began earlier that day from a beach near Calais, where French coastal patrols pulled a woman and child from the overloaded boat shortly after its departure.

Despite rescue efforts, both were declared dead.

French authorities, under the direction of the Dunkirk prosecutor’s office, are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Sajjadi and Mohammadi were identified as the boat’s pilots and detained upon arrival in Dover.

Following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), they were charged with facilitating illegal immigration to the UK.

The pair pleaded guilty at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 24, and were each sentenced to eight months in prison.

NCA branch commander Adam Berry said: “This tragic incident demonstrates just how dangerous these crossings are, and the callous nature of those who organise them.

“The boat in question was dangerously over-crowded, but Sajjadi and Mohammadi chose to carry on their journey.

“We continue to work with French colleagues to investigate the circumstances of this crossing and the fatalities.”