Inquiry opens into 2021 migrant boat disaster in English Channel

A UK inquiry has opened into the deadliest migrant shipwreck in the English Channel, which left at least 27 people dead in November 2021 after their overcrowded inflatable boat capsized.

The investigation seeks to determine why the migrants were left in the water for more than 12 hours despite distress calls and what lessons can be learned to prevent future tragedies.

The victims, mostly Iraqi Kurds, included seven women, a 16-year-old boy, and a seven-year-old girl. Four people remain missing. Survivor Issa Mohamed Omar is set to testify Tuesday.

The shipwreck strained UK-France relations, with both countries blaming each other for failing to prevent such dangerous crossings. In 2024, more than 36,800 migrants crossed the Channel—25% more than the previous year—while 78 people died attempting the journey, a record high.

The inquiry, which will hear testimony from British coastguard and rescue services, is scheduled to run until March 27.