Worst Channel migrant tragedy was 'predictable', inquiry hears

An inquiry into the biggest ever loss of life in a migrant dinghy in the Channel has heard that it was "entirely predictable" that a catastrophic event involving mass casualties would occur.

- Diane Taylor

Yesterday the Cranston inquiry began hearing evidence into the drownings of at least 27 people on 24 November 2021 in the stretch of water separating the UK from France. The inquiry heard that the boat, thought to be carrying 33 people, including 13 women and eight children, was "wholly unsuitable". Along with the 27 confirmed dead, four people remain missing. Two survived.

The dinghy, named Charlie by rescue services, was one of 209 boats that made the crossing in November 2021, the highest number recorded in a single month.