Cranston Inquiry: Timeline

Key dates in the inquiry's progress, assembled from its recorded milestones and hearing phases.

Hearing-phase dates are taken from the published hearing days; some earlier milestone dates are approximate where the inquiry has not published an exact date.

Milestones & hearing phases

Milestone Hearing phase Reports & costs Still to come
9 Nov 2023
Inquiry Announced
11 Jan 2024
Chair Appointed
11 Jan 2024
Terms of Reference Set
Inquiry established to examine the search and rescue response to the Channel tragedy of 24 November 2021.
6 Mar 2024
Opening Hearing
The inquiry held its opening hearing on 6 March 2024.
6 Mar 2024 to 24 Oct 2024
Procedural / preliminary hearing
2 sitting days
3 Mar 2025 to 5 Feb 2026
Evidential hearings
17 sitting days
27 Mar 2025
Oral Evidence Concludes
The oral evidence, family impact statements and closing statements phase concluded on 27 March 2025 (Day 16).
31 Dec 2025
Costs to date: £6.8m
Cumulative expenditure Apr 2024 - Dec 2025
5 Feb 2026
Report Published
The Cranston Inquiry final report published, containing 18 recommendations for HM Coastguard, Department for Transport, Home Office, and Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
5 Feb 2026
Final report