Government Investigates Deadliest Capsize in English Channel that Killed 27 Migrants
A report stated that the UK’s rescue effort faced challenges due to ‘poor visibility,’ making it difficult for coastguard operatives to extract useful information from calls.
On Thursday, the government announced an inquiry into the drowning of at least 27 migrants in the English Channel in November 2021 as they attempted to enter the UK.
An investigation report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) pointed out that the UK’s search and rescue operation faced hindrances “due to poor visibility and by the lack of a dedicated aircraft conducting aerial surveillance of the Dover Strait.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated that an independent non-statutory inquiry will be conducted to provide clarity to the families of the victims. The inquiry will also analyze the circumstances of the deaths and assess what lessons can be learned and recommendations made to prevent similar occurrences.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that it will appoint a chair and publish the full terms of reference in the future.
Poor Visibility
On Nov. 24, 2021, a boat bound for the UK with 33 people partially sank while crossing the Dover Strait. According to the MAIB, 27 people were confirmed dead, two were rescued, and four are still missing.
Andrew Moll, MAIB chief inspector of marine accidents, highlighted the unsuitability of the inflatable boats which were attempting to cross the Dover Strait to England. The sunken boat is said to have left Dunkirk around 9 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2021.
On Nov. 24, 2024, the HM Coastguard recorded 99 separate migrant incidents, adding to the challenges faced due to poor visibility.
Poor Information
Amidst the tragedy, the difficulty in obtaining useful information was another contributing factor. Distress calls came from multiple boats, and some callers provided duplicate information. The report also found that facilitators of the illegal crossings were instructing people to claim high levels of distress when in UK waters, adding to the challenges for operators to identify genuine peril.
The report underlined the need for significant changes to be made and recommended the development of procedures to ensure effective surveillance of the Dover Strait when aviation assets are unavailable.
According to the DfT, 1,227 people attempted to cross the Channel on that day.
