Vigil after the wreck of a boat that caused the deaths of at least 27 migrants in Calais on November 24, 2021. The sign reads, "How many deaths will it take?" AIMÉE THIRION FOR LE MONDE
"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."
