Woman trampled to death during Channel migrant boat rescue

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 22:32 · Archive

A 36-year-old woman was trampled to death during a Border Force rescue of migrants from a sinking dinghy in the Channel.

Manpreet Kaur, a 36-year-old Indian national, died during a Border Force rescue operation in the Channel on 9 September last year. The 7.8-metre inflatable boat was carrying 74 migrants and had set off from a canal at Malo-les-Bains near Dunkirk in northern France in the early hours. As the journey continued, the vessel lost air, took on water and spilled fuel. Migrants aboard attempted to bail out water using plastic bottles, and several fights broke out during the crossing.

When the boat entered UK waters, it was declared in distress and the Border Force vessel BF Volunteer was sent to rescue those onboard. At 10:57am, a rescue line was passed across so the dinghy could be brought alongside for evacuation. As passengers rushed to one side of the boat during this process, the dinghy started to collapse. Ms Kaur was trampled and pushed to the bottom of the vessel, where she remained submerged in a mixture of water and fuel for a prolonged period before being recovered.

The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch published a report on Thursday concluding that the boat was 'wholly unsuitable for the voyage'. The investigation found its poor construction, overcrowding, low freeboard and unsafe fuel and engine arrangement made it vulnerable to flooding and collapse. The vessel had departed in fine weather with calm seas.

How it is being reported

• Migrant, 36, drowned as she was crushed inside small boat while Border Force staff tried to rescue dozens from a sinking dinghyManpreet Kaur was killed when 73 people onboard the boat rushed to safety as it became submerged in water and fuel in the early hours of September 9 last year.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 22:15
• Woman, 36, trampled to death during UK border force small boat rescue, probe findsManpreet Kaur had made the perilous crossing from France with 73 others on a ‘wholly unsuitable’ dinghy that was taking on water and spilling fuelThe Independent · 15 Oct, 11:46

In this story: Manpreet Kaur · Maritime Accident Investigation Branch · Border Force · Channel · France · Malo-les-Bains

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