An inquiry into the deadliest Channel crossing on record has concluded that the loss of life was avoidable.
The Cranston Inquiry found systemic failures, missed opportunities, and inadequate resourcing undermined the UK’s maritime search and rescue response on the night of the tragedy.
At least 27 people – men, women and children – drowned when their dinghy capsized one night in November 2021.
Four are still missing, and just two survived. The survivors were discovered in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first calls for help.
More people could have survived the tragedy, the inquiry suggests, if HM Coastguard’s search and rescue efforts had continued in daylight hours.
Some individuals were likely still alive at sunrise, and a smaller number may have even survived until the early afternoon.
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