- Transport Secretary announces inquiry into the
events of 24 November 2021, when at least 27 people lost their
lives crossing the Channel
- Inquiry will allow a full and independent investigation into
the circumstances of the deaths to take place
- Announcement follows today’s publication of the Marine
Accident Investigation Branch report into the tragedy
Transport Secretary has announced an inquiry is to
be established to look into the events of 24 November 2021, when
at least 27 people lost their lives crossing the
Channel.
The independent, non-statutory inquiry will be designed to allow
a full and independent investigation into the circumstances of
the deaths to take place in the absence of a normal coroner’s
inquest.
The announcement of the inquiry follows today’s publication of a
report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)
outlining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Transport Secretary said:
“Today our thoughts are with the families of all those involved
in the tragic events of 24 November 2021.
“I am grateful to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch for
their report examining this tragic incident, and the Government
will carefully consider its findings and recommendations. As the
report recognises, the operational picture in the Channel has
changed significantly since 24 November 2021, and I know that HM
Coastguard continuously seeks to learn lessons and improve.
“Every day, hundreds of courageous responders from HM Coastguard
and other UK agencies, including volunteers, stand ready to
respond around the clock to every search and rescue operation
involving small boats in the Channel. This incident reinforces
the scale of the task they face.
“The inquiry I have announced today will allow a thorough and
independent investigation into the circumstances of the deaths to
take place, further to the MAIB’s report, to give the families of
the victims the clarity they deserve. I know that the Coastguard
will engage fully and openly with it.”
On the day of the tragedy, 1,227 people attempted to cross the
Channel. HM Coastguard search and rescue operations have adapted
to the changes in demand presented by small boats in the Channel.
The fundamental role of HM Coastguard is to save lives at sea by
responding to any person in distress, and the service works
unceasingly to save anyone that needs help.
The inquiry being established will look into who the deceased
were, and when, where and in what circumstances they came by
their deaths.
It will also consider what further lessons can be learned from
the events of 24 November 2021 and, if appropriate, make
recommendations to reduce the risk of a similar event occurring.
A chair and full terms of reference for the Inquiry will be
announced by the Department for Transport in due course.
Notes to editors
- Since 2021 the Government has taken a number of steps to
deter and prevent small boat crossings and crack down on people
smugglers and criminal gangs.
- Crossings remain down on last year, and thanks to the
Government’s joint work with the French over 22,000 migrants have
been prevented from crossing on small boats so far this year. Our
work with French law enforcement partners have also dismantled 82
organised crime groups.
- Our Illegal Migration Act will break the cycle of the people
smugglers by taking away the incentive to make these crossings in
the first place. Please see a factsheet here: Illegal Migration Bill:
overarching factsheet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- In the last 12 months we’ve also delivered agreements with
France, Italy, Turkey, Albania, Georgia and Moldova to strengthen
European action against illegal migration.
