Cranston Inquiry Hears Heartbreaking Testimonies from Families of Channel Drowning Victims
The Cranston inquiry, established to investigate the tragic mass drowning in the English Channel on 24 November 2021, has heard poignant statements from the families of the at least 27 victims. This catastrophic event, the worst of its kind on record, claimed the lives of many young individuals, with four others still missing. Sir Ross Cranston, chair of the inquiry, emphasised the importance of giving voice to those deeply affected by the tragedy.
Families Share Stories of Loss and Grief
Relatives provided detailed pen portraits of their loved ones, revealing their aspirations and the profound impact of their deaths. Kazhal Ahmed Khidir al-Jammoor, 46, and her children Hadiya, Mubin, and Hasti, aged 22, 16, and seven respectively, were among the victims. Hadiya dreamed of becoming a doctor, and the family had left Kurdistan, Iraq, in search of a better future. Her husband, Rizghar Hussein, expressed that sadness has overtaken his life, stating he sees no happiness anymore.
Other victims included Rezhwan Yassin Hassan, 19, a top student described as kind and clever by his father, and Mohammed Qader Awla, 18, who left a voicemail assuring his father he was okay just before the tragedy. Shakar Ali Pirot, 30, a geology graduate unable to find work in Kurdistan, left a voice note saying he had arrived in the UK if his family did not hear from him.
Diverse Backgrounds and Unfulfilled Dreams
The inquiry heard from families across different regions, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the victims. Serkawt Pirot Mohammed, 29, known as Harem, was sporty and loved football, while Bryar Hamad Abdulrahman, 22, came from poverty and walked hours to school. Muslim Ismael Hamad, 19, aspired to be a doctor or engineer, and his bedroom remains untouched since his departure.
From Ethiopia, Fikiru Shiferaw Tekalegn, 43, left due to threats, and Niyat Ferede Yeshiwendim, 22, was a pharmacy student displaced by war. Meron Hailu Gebrehiwet, 25, had run a successful juice bar before conflict erupted. Halima Mohammed Shikh, 33, fled Somalia due to violence, with her brother vowing never to cross the Channel by ferry again.
Missing Persons and Ongoing Searches
Four individuals remain missing, including Pshtiwan Rasul Farkha Hussein, 18, who supported his family from a young age. His father believes he may still be alive, hoping the inquiry will find him. Twana Mamand Mohammed, 18, a Taekwondo black belt, and Zanyar Mustafa Mina, 20, are also among the missing, with their families desperate for closure.
Survivors and Calls for Humanity
Survivors like Issa Mohamed Omar participated in the inquiry, giving evidence about the ordeal. Families repeatedly stressed that the victims were humans seeking safety and better lives. As one brother urged, people should view migrants as humans, underscoring the need for compassion and action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
