Hearings

Future and past hearings for in the Cranston Inquiry.

Witness timetable

The Inquiry will commence its hearings on 3 March 2025 with opening statements. From 3 March to 27 March 2025, the Inquiry is hearing oral evidence from witnesses.

All hearing dates are indicative and may be subject to change.

Timetables are subject to last minute changes.

Opening Hearing

6 March 2024

Sir Ross Cranston, Chair of the Inquiry, delivered an opening statement at the Opening Hearing, outlining progress to date and detailing his intentions for the Inquiry.

The Cranston Inquiry into the 2021 Channel crossing tragedy held a Preliminary Hearing in London on 24 October 2024, providing an update on progress and outlining plans for the next stage of its work.

Week 1 Opening Statements and Oral Evidence

Date

Witness

Day 1 – Monday, 3rd March 2025

Opening Statements from Counsel to the Inquiry and Full Participants

Day 2 – Tuesday, 4th March 2025

Issa Mohamed Omar

Day 3 – Wednesday, 5th March 2025

Neal Gibson (Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator, HM Coastguard)

Day 4 – Thursday, 6th March 2025

Christopher Norton (Accountable Manager, 2Excel Aviation Ltd), Graham Hamilton (Director of UK Search and Rescue, Bristow Helicopters Ltd) and Christopher Trubshaw (Search and Rescue Helicopter Captain, Bristow Helicopters Ltd)