Small boat crossings MUST end, inquiry into Channel migrant deaths concludes

An inquiry into the deadliest Channel crossing on record has said small boat crossings “must end” to prevent further deaths, as it concluded some of the 30 victims could have been saved in the tragedy.

The independent probe found that “systemic failures, missed opportunities” and “chronic staff shortages” in the UK’s maritime response contributed directly to the failure to rescue people.

The tragedy occurred when a crowded inflatable boat capsized overnight on November 23 to 24 of 2021, leaving just two survivors who were discovered in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first calls for help.

The inquiry, led by Sir Ross Cranston, has identified 27 men, women and children among the dead, while four people are still missing, and said “some of those deaths were avoidable”.

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