Sir Ross Cranston opens inquiry into fatal channel crossing


12 March 2024

Ross Cranston-2017

Sir Ross Cranston, Professor of Law at LSE Law School and a former solicitor general, is chairing the official inquiry into the deadliest Channel disaster for more than 40 years which led to at least 27 deaths. The incident happened on 24 November 2021, when an inflatable carrying at least 30 individuals, attempting a crossing from France, sank. An initial official report found that rescue efforts were hampered by poor communication between the UK and France and lack of resources.

Cranston remarked, upon the opening day of the inquiry:

“I hope and expect to receive full cooperation from all of those involved in our work. There will be no place for, nor tolerance of, obstruction or foot-dragging on the part of those whose involvement in the events of 24 November 2021 will be scrutinised. This is of vital importance.”

Click here for the inquiry's home page

See also press coverage in the GuardianBBC News 
and Daily Mail