Paris court convicts six men of manslaughter over migrants disaster in Channel
Sentences ranged from six months suspended to 10 years after the court found the deaths were caused by an overloaded dinghy that deflated.
- The Paris Criminal Court convicted 13 men on Wednesday for their roles in the 2021 English Channel migrant boat sinking that killed 31 people, the worst such disaster on record.
- On the night of Nov. 23, 2021, 33 migrants departed Calais for Britain in an overloaded, 20-foot inflatable dinghy equipped with a faulty motor and inadequate life jackets.
- Survivors described freezing waters and strong currents, while relatives among the 113 plaintiffs testified about their enduring anguish before the court during the trial.
- Thirteen defendants received sentences ranging from six months to 10 years, with six convicted of manslaughter; one man was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
- Investigations examine whether French or Britain emergency services failed to answer distress calls, while relatives seek closure for victims whose bodies were never recovered.
48 Articles
48 Articles
In November 2021 31 people die trying to cross the English Channel in an inflatable boat. Now the alleged smugglers are sentenced to sometimes high prison terms. The court speaks of a "unexplained disaster".
The Paris Court sentenced more than 30 migrants to death in La Manche in November 2021, and six men were found guilty of manslaughter.
At least 31 people died in November 2021 in a tragedy caused by "individuals driven by the bait of gain, in contempt of human life," the Paris Correctional Court ruled.
Channel boat tragedy: 13 jailed over 2021 migrant smuggling disaster
A French court sentenced 13 people for organising the 2021 Channel crossing that killed 31 migrants. The verdict underscores the deadly cost of smuggling networks as a separate probe into delayed rescue efforts continues.
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