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Unnamed small migrant boat preliminary assessment update
MAIB statement on preliminary assessment.
The MAIB has completed a Preliminary Assessment into a fatality that occurred on 20 June 2026 involving an inflatable boat carrying migrants in the Dover Strait. The circumstances of the accident were associated with the risks inherent in a criminally organised small boat crossing and safety issues that have previously been considered in MAIB migrant boat investigations. No new safety issues requiring a separate safety investigation have been identified. The Chief Inspector has therefore exercised the discretion available under the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2026 not to commence a safety investigation.