Independent report

The Report of the Cranston Inquiry

Report of the public inquiry into the events of 23 to 24 November 2021, when over 30 people died attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 5 February 2026

Documents

The Cranston Inquiry report: executive summary

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The Cranston Inquiry report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6169-0, E03525225, HC 1581

PDF, 5.28 MB, 458 pages

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Details

In November 2023, the government announced that it would establish an independent non-statutory inquiry into the Channel crossing incident of 24 November 2021. The purpose of the Cranston Inquiry has been to identify those people who lost their lives and the circumstances of their deaths, to consider what lessons could be learned and to make recommendations to reduce the risk of a similar event occurring.

Sir Ross Cranston was appointed chair of the inquiry in January 2024.

The inquiry’s opening hearing was held on 6 March 2024.

See the Cranston Inquiry’s terms of reference.

See the Cranston Inquiry website for more information.

Published 5 February 2026