Coastguard failings in Channel migrant deaths

Staff ‘worked 20-hour days’ ahead of tragedy that claimed 27 lives

An overstretched team at HM Coastguard working up to 20 hours a day made mistakes during the response to the mass drowning tragedy in the Channel a year ago today, a source told The Independent. At least 27 lives were lost, including a pregnant woman – five bodies are still missing. It took British and French coastguards 12 hours to respond following the first mayday call as they argued over who was responsible.