The Cranston Inquiry examined the deaths of over 30 people during a small boat crossing in 2021.
Over 30 people died during a small boat crossing in 2021. (Image: Getty)
An inquiry into the deaths of over 30 people during a small boat crossing in the English Channel in 2021 – the deadliest on record – has called the tragedy “avoidable”. The Cranston Inquiry, led by Sir Ross Cranston, identified 27 men, women, and children among the dead, though four people are still missing.
It said “some of those deaths were avoidable”. Sir Ross added that small boat crossings “must end”. He said: “Apart from other reasons, it is imperative to prevent further loss of life.” His independent probe uncovered “systemic failures, missed opportunities” and “chronic staff shortages” in the UK’s maritime response.
Not all of the victims have been identified. (Image: Getty)
It said these contributed directly to the failure to rescue the people when an “unsuitable” inflatable boat carrying at least 33 people capsized overnight on November 23 and 24, 2021.
The incident left just two survivors who were discovered in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first calls for help.
A French Navy vessel closest to the boat failed to respond to a mayday message, which is also part an ongoing criminal investigation in France.
French police initially said the crew denied having received the message, but HM Coastguard radio recordings show the ship was using the same channel.
The UK coastguard were also found to have made a “number of flawed decisions” during search operation, which ended early on November 24 because of “failures in record keeping”.
There was also a “widely held belief” within the Coastguard that callers from small boats “exaggerated their level of distress”, the report said.
It added: “If the search had continued throughout that day, some of the deaths would have been avoided. These members of the HM Coastguard were placed in an intolerable position because of chronic staff shortages at Dover and other deficiencies.
“These were known about for some time, but no effective action had been taken to alleviate them. This represents a significant, systemic failure on the part of Government.”
