Main content

Crossings by Boat and Lorry

With migrant boat crossings on the rise and with the dangers well documented, Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie track the smugglers and expose some of the gangs behind this deadly trade.

In programme two Rob and Sue reveal the extent of frustration felt by families of those who died in the Channel in November. Relatives of some of the 27 victims have been trying to track the smugglers themselves and feel let down by the authorities - some have even gone as far as offering reward money to carry out the ultimate revenge on those they say are responsible.

Two sisters speak of the friendship they formed on the French camp with a seven year old girl called Hesty. She had made the journey from northern Iraq with her mother, Kajal, sister, Hadia, and brother, Mobin. Their father, Rizgar, is a policeman and had stayed behind to earn enough money to pay smugglers for his passage at a later date. When word of the deaths at sea spread the sisters tried desperately to find out more: they knew that Hesty was making the crossing and immediately feared the worse.

As they describe the anguish of waiting for news they reveal how their own sea crossing, just three days earlier, had also been beset with dangers. But they made it and are now settling into new lives in Blackpool. Their friend from the camp didn't and as they come to terms with what's happened they speak of their hatred of the smugglers involved and their fear that these ruthless individuals might ultimately evade justice.

Reporter: Sue Mitchell

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 18 Jul 2022 21:30

Broadcasts

  • Fri 18 Mar 2022 11:00
  • Mon 18 Jul 2022 21:30