An anti-migrant activist’s boat, bought to patrol the Channel for asylum seekers, accidentally sank after developing mechanical problems, according to reports — as its owner raises more than £21,000 for a replacement. Daniel Thomas, known online as Danny Tommo, bought the vessel, named The Patriot, in April using donations from supporters. He has since launched a fresh fundraising drive for his Patriot Platform group, which has organised anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth and Dover. The boat was blamed on sabotage — but sank after mechanical trouble Thomas previously claimed The Patriot had been sabotaged, suggesting left-wing activists could have been responsible. But The Times reported that the vessel actually sank in Littlehampton, West Sussex, in June after getting into difficulty near the mouth of the River Arun. An invoice shared by Thomas shows Littlehampton Harbour charged him £1,775, including £758 for a recovery vessel. Thomas had said he had spent 14 hours aboard the boat and did not want to lose it after supporters had donated towards its purchase. Now he wants money for another boat Thomas is now crowdfunding for a second vessel, with his GiveSendGo campaign having raised more than £21,000. The page has a £10,000 monthly target and says funds will support boats, marine equipment, transport, fuel, accommodation and secure facilities. The campaign also seeks money for professional camera, audio and studio equipment to document what it calls the “British resistance”. Patriot Platform expands its ambitions Thomas came to wider attention this month after organising an anti-migrant protest in Dover, where men wearing black clothing and balaclavas were filmed blocking roads. He has previously appealed for people with boats, or access to boats, to contact him. His fundraising appeal describes Patriot Platform as an organised movement seeking to operate independently, with supporters providing money, equipment, expertise, storage and mechanical assistance. The Independent has contacted Thomas for comment. Anti-migrant activist Danny Tommo’s Channel boat accidentally sinks
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