RNLI statement on the Cranston Inquiry
The following RNLI statement is in response to the outcome of the Cranston Inquiry into the deaths of at least 27 people in the English Channel on 24 November 2021:
Our thoughts today are with the families and loved ones of those who drowned in the Channel on 24 November 2021, and we are immensely grateful to them for their contributions to this inquiry.
Whilst we were not involved in this particular incident, we are called upon by HM Coastguard to similar scenarios where life is at risk and are grateful to have been allowed to feed into this inquiry. We would like to thank Sir Ross Cranston and his team for their dedicated and forensic attention to the events of this date, and the circumstances which led to them.
The RNLI will now take time to read carefully and consider his findings contained in the Inquiry report. We will work with our search and rescue partners to ensure that we implement any recommendations. Our lifeboat crews will continue to launch to save lives at sea, and to prevent drowning wherever we can.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.