Public Inquiry
Cranston Inquiry
Status: Completed
Chair: Sir Ross Cranston
Established: Jan 2024
Report: Feb 2026
Commissioned by: Home Office
Inquiry into the search and rescue response to the English Channel small boat tragedy on 24 November 2021, in which over 30 people died.
Response breakdown
Data last updated: 16 Jul 2026 · Source · Data verified: 16 Jul 2026 (Claude)
Key facts
Duration: 2 years
Total cost: £6.8m
Reports & milestones
Reports
Timeline
09 Nov 2023
Inquiry Announced
11 Jan 2024
Chair Appointed
11 Jan 2024
Terms of Referenc…
Inquiry established to examine the search and rescue response to the Channel tragedy of 24 November 2021.
· Source
05 Feb 2026
Final Report Publ…
The Cranston Inquiry final report published, containing 18 recommendations for HM Coastguard, Department for Transport, Home Office, and …
· Source
Recommendations
| Code | Recommendation | Addressed to | Response | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR1 |
Given the risks associated with HM Coastguard's use of network flexing for small boat search and rescue – whereby its workforce is …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR2 |
HM Coastguard should seek, at pace, to invest in the technology required to support its ability to reconcile duplicate small boat incidents. …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR3 |
There should be regular assessments by HM Coastguard of the adequacy of the available assets and human resources to respond to both …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR4 |
HM Coastguard should provide frequent training and retraining for their staff in aspects of search and rescue specific to small boats, one …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR5 |
Those involved in maritime search and rescue should adopt formally the Mass Persons in the Water Triage procedure to govern the operational …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR6 |
Those involved in maritime search and rescue should continue to undertake joint exercises on the application of the Mass Persons in the …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR7 |
The Department for Transport must consider recommending to the International Maritime Organization that it consider incorporating an in-water mass casualty triage tool …
|
Department for Transport | Accepted | View → |
| CR8 |
HM Coastguard should amend its existing policies to incorporate the need to provide more comprehensive advice about survivability to people in distress …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR9 |
HM Coastguard should examine whether it is using the most appropriate modelling for survivability in cold water. HM Coastguard should amend its …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR10 |
HM Coastguard must continue to liaise with search and rescue partners in the UK and abroad to identify opportunities for the development …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR11 |
The role and functions of HM Coastguard should be set out in up-to-date legislation.
|
Department for Transport | No Response | View → |
| CR12 |
An independent external body should be given responsibility for the regular assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of HM Coastguard. Consideration should …
|
Department for Transport | No Response | View → |
| CR13 |
The government should reconsider Mr Downer's recommendation in his independent review of Border Force that Border Force Maritime should not be providing …
|
Home Office | No Response | View → |
| CR14 |
For so long as the current arrangements in relation to search and rescue in the English Channel remain in place, the roles …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR15 |
HM Coastguard should develop and implement a plan for joint training exercises, to occur at set intervals, with participation by those involved …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR16 |
HM Coastguard should develop a mass rescue operation plan that includes command and control, co-ordination, external stakeholders, medical and law enforcement roles, …
|
HM Coastguard | Accepted | View → |
| CR17 |
HM Coastguard and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency should establish a protocol for referrals by HM Coastguard to the Maritime and Coastguard …
|
Maritime and Coastguard Agency | Accepted | View → |
| CR18 |
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch should make publicly available on its website, as soon as possible after they are received, the details …
|
Marine Accident Investigation Branch | Accepted | View → |
Parliamentary activity
1 debate
4 questions
6 statements
16 Jul 2026
Written Ministerial Statement
Initial Response to the Cranston Inquiry
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour)
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour)
16 Jul 2026
Written Ministerial Statement
Initial Response to the Cranston Inquiry
Heidi Alexander (Labour)
Heidi Alexander (Labour)