A boat carrying migrants caught fire while trying to cross the English Channel. The incident occurred in the French search and rescue region, leading the occupants to jump into the water as the fire broke out.
French authorities have confirmed that 157 people were rescued with no reported casualties at this point. Various emergency services, including the British coastguard, are currently involved in the ongoing response to the situation.
The rescued individuals are being brought ashore at Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France, where they will receive assistance from the fire and rescue service and other French organizations.
According to French authorities, those onboard had to leap into the water when the boat caught fire. The rescue operation involving French and British services successfully saved all 157 individuals, who are now being taken care of in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson mentioned that a vessel caught fire in the French search and rescue region, with UK vessels and a lifeboat providing assistance.
In a similar vein, a spokesperson from RNLI stated that Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat was deployed to the incident early this morning.
In today’s events, 157 migrants were rescued after their boat caught fire during an attempt to cross the English Channel. French authorities informed AFP that a small boat caught fire at the border of French and British waters, prompting its occupants to jump overboard. As of now, no casualties have been reported.
Thank you for following our live coverage of this incident. We have reached out to the Home Office, RNLI, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for their statements and will update you with more information shortly.