More than 150 migrants rescued after boat catches fire in Channel

French maritime authorities reported that more than 150 migrants were rescued on Tuesday morning after the boat they were using to cross the Channel toward the UK caught fire. The incident unfolded when the vessel's engine ignited, causing its structure to deteriorate rapidly. All 157 people on board were brought to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, and no injuries or deaths have been reported.

The boat had departed from France on Monday night. According to the French maritime prefecture for the Channel and the North Sea, five people requested assistance overnight, but the others refused help from French patrol boats. The authorities noted that migrants determined to reach the UK typically decline rescue offers unless they face extreme danger. Citing the "structural fragility" of such vessels, French officials decided not to intervene further at that stage.

However, on Tuesday morning the engine fire broke out, leading to a large-scale rescue operation. French and British vessels, including the RNLI Eastbourne lifeboat and UK Border Force ships BSC Contender and BSC Courageous, responded. Two French boats rescued 103 migrants, while British boats saved 54. All survivors were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer for treatment, expected to arrive by 12:30 local time.

The event came just a day after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged his government would be "relentless" in reducing the number of small boat arrivals. The UK Coastguard earlier confirmed that a vessel caught fire in the French search and rescue region and that UK crews were assisting.