More than 150 migrants rescued after boat catches fire in Channel

French authorities reported that over 150 migrants were rescued after a small boat attempting to cross the English Channel caught fire on Tuesday morning. The vessel’s engine caught fire during the crossing effort, prompting a rapid rescue operation. A total of 157 people were saved and transported to Boulogne-sur-Mer port, with no injuries or fatalities reported.

According to the French maritime prefecture overseeing the Channel and North Sea region, the boat departed from France late Monday night. Initially, five individuals aboard needed assistance, but the majority declined help from French patrol boats, determined to continue their journey toward the United Kingdom. Due to the fragile construction of the boats usually used to cross the Channel, authorities chose not to intervene further at that point. However, when the engine fire broke out early Tuesday, the vessel’s condition deteriorated quickly, necessitating urgent rescue efforts.

Rescue operations involved resources from both France and the UK. French vessels saved 103 migrants, while British assets including the RNLI Eastbourne lifeboat and UK Border Force ships BSC Contender and BSC Courageous rescued 54. All those rescued were expected to arrive in Boulogne-sur-Mer by midday local time for medical attention. A UK government spokesperson emphasized the perilous nature of these crossings, noting that the Border Security Command was alerted to the incident in French waters and coordinated assistance with French partners.

The event has sparked renewed political debate over immigration policies in the UK. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage tweeted that “We must put a stop to this. Our plan will save lives,” reflecting his party’s pledge to deploy the navy to prevent small boat crossings if it forms the government. This discussion has intensified following recent migrant arrivals in the Spanish territory of Ceuta. The Conservatives have criticized Labour for falling short on migration promises, while the Liberal Democrats advocate for better EU relations and addressing asylum backlogs. Since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister two weeks ago, more than 2,000 migrants have arrived on small boats, with a record 752 arrivals on a single day last Wednesday. Despite this, Home Office data indicates that crossings are down approximately 43% compared to the same period last year, continuing a downward trend from a 2022 peak.

Prime Minister Burnham has acknowledged progress in reducing the number of small boat arrivals during his visit to Dover, highlighting increased enforcement efforts, including doubling officers targeting people-smuggling networks on both sides of the Channel. However, he stressed the need to establish a system that provides safe routes alongside enforcement measures. In April, the UK and France finalized a £662 million agreement aimed at stemming illegal Channel crossings. The three-year deal includes deployment of riot-trained police to French beaches and the use of drones and helicopters by France to intercept smugglers. UK officials have indicated that if enough crossings are not prevented within a year, about £100 million of funding may be redirected or withdrawn, although specific performance targets have not been publicly detailed

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