Inquiry into deadliest Channel crossing on record found deaths ‘avoidable’

Evening Standard

Statement by Sir Ross Cranston following an inquiry into the deadliest Channel crossing on record, as he called for an end to small boat crossings 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 and 24 2021, leaving just two survivors who were discovered in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first calls for help.

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00:00Chapter 15 of the report concludes that some of the deaths which took place that night and during the following morning were avoidable.

00:09If a search for survivors had been adequately undertaken that day, including during daylight hours, more lives would have been saved.

00:19As the report's analysis makes clear, the flaws in H.M. Coast Guard's decision-making were systemic in nature.

00:27In particular, they are attributable to, firstly, the inordinate pressure on H.M. Coast Guard staff at Dover handling small boat search and rescue, who were placed in an intolerable position because of staff shortages and other deficiencies.

00:46Secondly, the absence of effective supervision of those staff.

00:50Thirdly, the limitations of the remote working model, which was in operation to assist them.

00:57And fourthly, the belief within H.M. Coast Guard that callers from small boats regularly exaggerated their level of distress.

01:05The practice of small boat crossings must end.

01:09Apart from other reasons, it's imperative to prevent further loss of life.

01:14Travelling on board a small, unseaworthy and overcrowded boat and crossing one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is an inherently dangerous activity.

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