More than 150 migrants rescued by French, British teams after boat caught fire in English Channel

More than 150 migrants were rescued in the English Channel after a boat caught fire on Tuesday morning, according to French authorities. The French maritime prefecture of the Channel and North Sea announced that 157 people were rescued from the burning vessel and taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer. The French Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) initially rescued five individuals who required immediate assistance, but the remaining passengers declined help.

Due to the fragile nature of the overcrowded boats, French authorities opted not to force them onto rescue vessels to prevent potential shipwrecks. Hours later, the boat's engine caught fire while it was traveling through the French Safety Restricted Route, causing its integrity to deteriorate rapidly. The Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center then issued a Mayday message, prompting both French and British rescue teams to be deployed to the scene.

In total, 157 people were saved and brought to Boulogne-sur-Mer, with 103 migrants rescued by French boats and the remaining 545 by British vessels.