THE French navy has been partly blamed for failing to stop Britain’s deadliest small boat tragedy on record.
An independent inquiry found the deaths of 27 men, women, and children — plus the disappearance of four others — was “avoidable”.
And it highlighted that a French patrol vessel close to the sinking dinghy failed to respond to a mayday message, which delayed the search.
The ship, Flamant, is now at the centre of an ongoing criminal investigation in France.
Initially, French cops said the crew denied receiving the emergency message in November 2021.
But HM Coastguard radio recordings show the ship was using the same channel.
Former High Court judge Sir Ross Cranston, who chaired the £7million probe, also said dangerous journeys must end.
He warned: “It is imperative to prevent further loss of life.”
He also pointed the finger at people-smugglers for providing an overcrowded boat.
And he criticised “systemic failures, missed opportunities, and chronic staff shortages” in Dover’s maritime response.
The Government says it will carefully consider the report.
