More than 150 migrants were rescued early on Tuesday after a boat attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain caught fire, prompting a major joint rescue operation by French and British coastguards.
According to French maritime authorities, the vessel’s engine caught fire and its condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing emergency services to evacuate all those on board.
French and British rescue teams brought 157 migrants to safety after five others had already been rescued overnight when the incident began. Authorities said the boat had departed from near Boulogne-sur-Mer on Monday and was being monitored by several rescue vessels because of the dangers associated with Channel crossings.
No fatalities were reported.
The English Channel remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and crossings in overcrowded inflatable boats are considered extremely hazardous. According to the Migration Observatory, at least 162 people died attempting the crossing between 2018 and 2025.
The latest rescue comes as migration continues to dominate political debate in Britain. Small boat crossings have driven increasingly tough immigration policies under successive governments and have contributed to growing support for the hard right Reform UK party.
Just two days before the incident, Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged his government would be “relentless” in tackling illegal Channel crossings.
“People want to see this issue addressed,” Burnham said, adding that the government was increasing enforcement against people smuggling gangs while also working to expand safe and legal migration routes.
Many of those attempting the journey are fleeing conflict, persecution or economic hardship in countries including Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iran and Sudan. Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that migrants often board overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels organised by criminal smuggling networks.
French maritime authorities said migrants frequently refuse assistance while still at sea, accepting rescue only when faced with life threatening emergencies.
The rescue operation involved multiple French and British vessels, highlighting the continued cooperation between the two countries in responding to incidents in the Channel as authorities seek to prevent further loss of life.
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