Press Release – for immediate release

The Cranston Inquiry today (5 February) publishes its report into the events of 23–24 November 2021, when over 30 people died attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat from France.

Sir Ross Cranston delivered a Closing Statement at 10:30am at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, which was streamed live on the Cranston Inquiry website. The report has been laid before Parliament and published simultaneously on the Inquiry website and GOV.UK.

The report concludes that the loss of life was avoidable and sets out recommendations for broader improvements in the UK’s maritime search and rescue response.

Sir Ross Cranston was appointed Chair of the public inquiry into the incident on 11 January 2024. The Inquiry subsequently opened on 6 March 2024.

At today’s Closing Hearing, Sir Ross Cranston said:

“…the practice of small boat crossings must end. Apart from other reasons, it is imperative to prevent further loss of life. Travelling on board a small, unseaworthy, and overcrowded boat, and crossing one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, is an inherently dangerous activity.”

The Inquiry found that systemic failures, missed opportunities, and inadequate resourcing undermined the UK’s maritime search and rescue response on the night of the tragedy. HM Coastguard in Dover was placed in an intolerable position, with chronic staff shortages and limited operational capacity, contributing directly to the failure to rescue people in the water.

Each life lost has been carefully documented: the Inquiry identified 27 men, women, and children by name, with four others still missing – a stark reminder of the human cost behind the statistics.

The report reiterates that crossing the Channel in a small, poorly constructed boat is inherently dangerous. Strong currents, cold water, and dense shipping traffic mean the risks can never be eliminated. Every crossing puts lives at severe and predictable risk.

The report recognises the dedication of HM Coastguard, Border Force teams, RNLI and other voluntary lifeguards, who work tirelessly in dangerous and rapidly changing conditions to save lives at sea. Their professionalism remains essential – but the Inquiry stresses that systemic change is needed to support and strengthen their efforts.

The Inquiry provides 18 recommendations designed to strengthen the UK’s maritime search and rescue capability.

Recordings and transcripts of the Inquiry’s hearings, alongside witness statements and other evidence, are published on the Inquiry’s website: https://cranston.independent-inquiry.uk/

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Notes for Editors 

  • The Secretary of State for Transport announced on 9 November 2023 his intention to hold an independent Inquiry into the events of 24 November 2021.  
  • On 11 January 2024 the Secretary of State for Transport announced the appointment of Sir Ross Cranston as Chair of the Inquiry.  The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry were also published on that day. 
  • Details of the Inquiry are available on the Inquiry website:  https://cranston.independent-inquiry.uk/