"Systemic failings, missed opportunities and inadequate resourcing." The British public inquiry into the circumstances of the deadliest Channel shipwreck, which occurred on November 24, 2021, delivered its conclusions on Thursday, February 5.
The independent commission heard testimony from around 20 people, primarily officials from the UK Coastguard, and based its work on transcripts of phone calls and internal administrative documents. At least 31 people died on the night of November 23 to 24, 2021 (only 27 bodies were recovered) while trying to reach England. Two men survived. Most of the victims were from Iraqi Kurdistan, and the shipwrecked migrants repeatedly contacted both French and British rescue services during the night, explaining they were literally dying.
The commission issues serious criticism of the French authorities, particularly for failing to respond to a "Mayday" emergency call sent out by the UK Coastguard, asking ships at sea to go to the aid of the distressed vessel, which had been assigned the code name "Charlie."
The French navy ship Flamant was about 3 nautical miles (roughly 15 minutes) from the broadcast coordinates, the commission notes. In France, a judicial investigation remains open, and seven service members – including two officers who were aboard the Flamant – have been charged with failure to assist persons in danger. "If the Flamant had attended incident 'Charlie,' many more, and possibly all, lives of those on board would have been saved," the commission states.
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The independent commission heard testimony from around 20 people, primarily officials from the UK Coastguard, and based its work on transcripts of phone calls and internal administrative documents. At least 31 people died on the night of November 23 to 24, 2021 (only 27 bodies were recovered) while trying to reach England. Two men survived. Most of the victims were from Iraqi Kurdistan, and the shipwrecked migrants repeatedly contacted both French and British rescue services during the night, explaining they were literally dying.
The commission issues serious criticism of the French authorities, particularly for failing to respond to a "Mayday" emergency call sent out by the UK Coastguard, asking ships at sea to go to the aid of the distressed vessel, which had been assigned the code name "Charlie."
The French navy ship Flamant was about 3 nautical miles (roughly 15 minutes) from the broadcast coordinates, the commission notes. In France, a judicial investigation remains open, and seven service members – including two officers who were aboard the Flamant – have been charged with failure to assist persons in danger. "If the Flamant had attended incident 'Charlie,' many more, and possibly all, lives of those on board would have been saved," the commission states.
You have 78.47% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.