Gb News: 545 migrants arrive on busiest day for Channel crossings as gb news notes first arrivals in two weeks
Migrants have reached the UK for the first time in two weeks, and the crossings included what has been described as the busiest day of the year, when 545 people arrived; the renewed movement matters because it comes amid warnings from a recent inquiry that small boat crossings "must end" to prevent further deaths. gb news is referenced in the headline as the coverage of these arrivals resumed after a weather break.
Ramsgate disembarkation on Wednesday: lifejackets, coats and a Border Force boat
People in lifejackets and coats were seen disembarking a Border Force boat in Ramsgate, Kent, on Wednesday. The images and scenes at the port came as migrants reached the UK following a pause in crossings that had lasted two weeks.
Numbers on the move: 545 on the busiest day, 74 on Tuesday, 322 on 9 February, 597 so far this month
This year saw a single busiest day that brought 545 migrants to UK shores. Some 74 migrants arrived on a Tuesday, Home Office data shows. The last crossing before the two-week gap occurred on 9 February, when 322 people reached the UK. So far this month, 597 migrants have crossed the Channel.
Weather break allowed several crossing attempts
A break in the recent bout of poor weather allowed for the launching of several crossing attempts, enabling the arrivals that ended the two-week pause. The improved conditions were cited as the immediate factor enabling the boats to put to sea.
Inquiry into deadliest crossing: Sir Ross Cranston-led probe, costs and conclusions
The recent arrivals come against the backdrop of an independent inquiry into the deadliest Channel crossing on record. The probe was led by Sir Ross Cranston and cost more than £7m. It identified 27 men, women and children among the dead from the incident, while four are still missing, and said "some of those deaths were avoidable. "
Findings on rescue failures and the 23/24 November 2021 capsizing
The inquiry found "systemic failures, missed opportunities" and "chronic staff shortages" in the UK's maritime response, and concluded those factors contributed directly to the failure to rescue people. It recorded that a crowded inflatable boat had capsized overnight on 23/24 November 2021, leaving just two survivors who were found in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first mayday. The probe recommended that small boat crossings "must end" to prevent further loss of life.
Ongoing tally and immediate significance noted by Gb News
The combination of renewed crossings, the single busiest day of the year with 545 arrivals, and the inquiry's stark findings underline why the recent movements have attracted attention. gb news appears in the headline to reflect that the story of resumed crossings and the inquiry's recommendations are now back at the forefront of public discussion.
