Mohammad abandoned the dinghy and its passengers when a rescue ship arrived, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
He reached the UK later the same day, where he was arrested.
Under the recent Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, the charge of endangering others during a sea crossing is to stop more people being crammed into unsafe boats.
It also applies to those involved in physical aggression and intimidation, as well as anyone who resists rescue.
It comes after Home Office sources recounted instances of “floating crime scenes” where people had acted in such a reckless way that those on board died in crushes and drownings.
Those who commit the offence could face up to five years in prison, or up to six years if they are in breach of a deportation order.
