More than 150 migrants rescued after boat catches fire in Channel, French authorities say
French and British rescuers brought 157 people to safety after the boat’s engine caught fire, with no injuries reported.
- On Tuesday, a rescue operation launched around 6am in French waters after a dinghy carrying approximately 160 migrants caught fire. French and British coastguards, alongside RNLI Eastbourne, rescued 157 people and transported them to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
- Nigel Farage on Monday proposed "Operation Fortress," urging the Navy to intercept small boats and return them to France. The French government rejected the plan as a "violation of French sovereignty," highlighting diplomatic friction over Channel migration.
- Despite this incident, 2026 Channel crossings total 14,526, representing 43 per cent lower arrivals than at this point last year. The vessel involved carried 160 people, nearing the record 165 migrants recorded in July.
- Searches in the area continue, though officials report no fatalities among the 157 survivors. Responders stated, "Quite frankly, it's miraculous that no one has died," as eleven vessels assisted the major operation.
- The Prime Minister insisted the Government is "changing the whole approach" to small boat crossings. Burnham vowed his government would be "relentless" in reducing arrivals by targeting people-smuggling gangs operating on both sides of the Channel.
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The Belgian police are testing a drone that should help prevent migrants from crossing the Channel on boats. Four police zones in the northwest of the country are working together on the trial. The drone flies over an area up to the Dutch border.
Over 150 Migrants Rescued from Burning Boat in English Channel, No Fatalities Reported
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. CNN, citing French and British authorities, reported that the vessel's engine caught fire and its "condition deteriorated very rapidly," prompting joint rescue efforts by coastguards to pull 157 people to safety. World News | Over 150 Migrants Rescued from Burning Boat in English Channel, No Fatalities Reported.
Over 150 migrants rescued from burning boat in English Channel, no fatalities reported - The Tribune
CNN, citing French and British authorities, reported that the vessel's engine caught fire and its "condition deteriorated very rapidly," prompting joint rescue efforts by coastguards to pull 157 people to safety.
French coast guard teams rescued 173 migrants after a fire broke out in the engine of a boat carrying them across the English Channel to England. French police have detained one person in connection with the incident.
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