Over 150 migrants rescued after boat fire in English Channel

More than 150 people were rescued from the English Channel after their migrant boat caught fire and its integrity deteriorated rapidly. French authorities announced that 157 individuals were brought to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, following the emergency.

The incident began overnight when the French Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) rescued five people requiring immediate assistance. However, the remaining passengers initially refused help. Later, the boat's engine caught fire, causing the vessel's structure to weaken significantly while it was transiting a French Safety Restricted Route.

A Mayday message was broadcast, prompting a joint rescue operation involving French and British teams. In total, 157 people were rescued; French boats saved 103 migrants, and British vessels assisted the remaining 54. Authorities stated that the decision was made not to force migrants onto rescue vessels due to the fragility of the overcrowded boats, to avoid further endangering lives.

No fatalities have been reported as a result of the fire and subsequent rescue operation. The migrants were attempting to cross the English Channel from northern France to reach Britain.

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Given the structural fragility of the overcrowded boats, the decision was made not to systematically force the boats to embark on rescue vessels, in order to avoid endangering the migrants' lives in the event of a shipwreck.