MAIB report on the tragic incident involving the dinghy carrying migrants in the Strait of Dover

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published the report on a very serious marine accident in which at least eight people lost their lives in the Strait of Dover on 14 December 2022 when a dinghy carrying migrants became flooded and partially sank.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Dover (MRCC Dover) received information about a dinghy with migrants on board at 2:13am on 14 December 2022. HMCG responded proactively and deployed emergency personnel to locate and assist the dinghy when it reached UK waters. At around 3am, the boat sustained structural damage and many of the migrants entered the water.

Shortly afterwards, the crew of the fishing vessel Arcturus encountered the dinghy and raised the alarm as they began to recover migrants from the water. By this time, a full-scale coastguard response was already underway in the UK and France.

39 migrants were successfully rescued by fishing boats and search and rescue teams, but at least eight migrants lost their lives. Four of the victims were recovered in the UK, others disappeared at sea.

Significant security issues identified

Among the main safety issues is the fact that the dinghy used for the attempted crossing was completely unsuitable and lacked the necessary equipment. The occupants could only call for help using a mobile phone. In addition, the use of email as a method of making a distress call was not internationally recognised. However, this method of communication alerted the UK Coastguard to another migrant boat crossing the Strait of Dover and enabled the proactive deployment of search and rescue teams.

In view of the recommendations in MAIB Report 7/2023, which have been implemented by the MCA and the Border Agency, and the actions already taken, no further recommendations have been made. The full report is available here.