Five years after the deadliest migrant crossing in the English Channel, the Paris correctional court sentenced 13 of the 14 smugglers on trial to prison terms ranging from six months with suspended sentences to ten years. The mastermind of the network, who was absent during the deliberation, received the maximum sentence. The investigation into CROSS agents involved in the incident on the night of the tragedy continues. Of the 14 smugglers involved in the departure of the small boat, 13 were sentenced to terms ranging from six months in prison with suspended terms to ten years in prison, according to their level of involvement in the incident. Only one of them was acquitted. These 14 men, from Afghanistan or Iraq, were tried by the Paris correctional court since September 8, 2026, to determine their responsibilities in this incident that occurred during the night of November 23 to 24, 2021. That night, 33 migrants left Loon-Plage (Pas-de-Calais) on a makeshift vessel heading for the British coast. Three hours later, from a boat that was deflating, the asylum seekers tried to call French and British rescue services, but to no avail. In total, 27 bodies were recovered, including that of a seven-year-old girl, four bodies were never found, and two men miraculously survived. When handing down the sentences, the Paris correctional court emphasized that the level of involvement of each individual in this incident was taken into account. Six of them were found guilty of involuntary homicide. The mastermind of the group, who did not appear in court for the deliberation, received the heaviest sentence: ten years in prison, accompanied by an arrest warrant. Six arrest warrants were also issued by the court, considering that this "unprecedented disaster" that occurred in November 2021 was caused by "individuals motivated by the lure of profit, disregarding human life." The only defendant who appeared in custody, an Iraqi, was sentenced to seven years in prison, and an arrest warrant was issued against another Iraqi, sentenced to eight years in prison. For the others, the sentences range from six months in prison with suspended terms to four years in prison. By inviting the families of the victims to testify, these several days of trial allowed the court to "highlight the dramatic consequences" of smuggling networks, said the President at the start of the hearing on September 30, 2026. "Taking advantage of the vulnerability of migrants," the smugglers set up a "very profitable traffic" that showed "multiple technical and human failures." Lawyer for 115 civil parties, Me Matthieu Chirez, expressed his relief at these convictions. "It is a relief, but not really a surprise. It is a first step, because we remain cautious about this investigation that continues and concerns members of the CROSS [Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue, note from the editor] who are accused of failing to provide assistance on the night of the incident." The case has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the tragedy and the involvement of both smugglers and rescue agencies. While the court's focus has been on the smugglers, the ongoing investigation into CROSS agents adds another layer of complexity to the legal and ethical questions surrounding the incident. The sentences handed down reflect the court's acknowledgment of the severity of the smugglers' actions and the tragic loss of life, but the continued probe into the rescue response suggests that the full story of that night may not yet be known.