Channel: 157 migrants rescued after boat fire, one of largest operations since 2018

French and British vessels rescued 157 migrants when their boat caught fire during an attempt to cross the English Channel, French authorities announced Tuesday. The incident marks one of the largest rescue operations since systematic record-keeping began in 2018.

The small boat caught fire in waters between French and British territory early Tuesday, forcing passengers to jump into the sea. No casualties were reported, according to the office of the prefect for the Pas-de-Calais region.

French maritime authorities stated the migrants had departed from the coastal village of Wissant in Normandy on Monday. In recent weeks, witnesses have observed larger boats, up to 12 meters long, crossing the busy shipping lane, a departure from the usual 8 to 10 meters.

The average number of people on these small vessels has significantly increased, from 26 in 2021 to 65 so far this year, maritime authorities told AFP. France has long been a departure point for migrants aiming to reach Britain. Paying thousands of dollars to smugglers, they often board overcrowded inflatable boats, risking their lives in one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Last year, over 41,000 migrants landed on England's south coast, the second-highest annual figure since 2018. So far this year, 14 people have died attempting the crossing, according to an AFP tally based on official French and British sources. At least 29 migrants died in the Channel last year, according to a similar AFP count.

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A small boat caught fire in the border between French and British waters, forcing the occupants to jump into the sea.