Over 150 rescued after boat catches fire crossing Channel

A fire on a migrant boat in the English Channel led to the rescue of 157 individuals, according to the local French administration. Three coastguard vessels were deployed to assist those on board. Earlier this week, three individuals perished while attempting the perilous journey. This incident underscores the increasing risks associated with such crossings, as human traffickers cram ever-increasing numbers of refugees into frail vessels.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed on Sunday to aggressively combat small-boat arrivals. The English Channel constitutes one of the world's busiest maritime routes, with strong currents resulting in numerous migrant fatalities. Human traffickers often overcrowd their dinghies, leaving them barely seaworthy. A spokesperson for the British government affirmed their ongoing collaboration with French authorities and partners to deter these dangerous voyages.

Reform UK, a political party, pledged to implement the largest military operation in the Channel since World War II if elected. To date this year, 14,526 migrants have arrived in Britain via this perilous route, as reported by British authorities. In contrast, over 41,000 migrants landed on England's southern coast last year, marking the second-highest annual tally since 2018.

The UK and France concluded a "One in, one out" agreement last year, which has faced criticism from migrant aid organizations. Under the pact, Britain has forcibly removed 1,087 individuals who arrived on small boats and do not meet the criteria for asylum, in exchange for admitting 1,117 migrants who had applied legally from France.

This year, 14 lives have been lost while crossing the Channel, based on a tally by AFP utilizing official French and British data. At least 29 migrants perished last year, according to a comparable AFP count.