A migrant boat ignited in flames during an attempt to cross the English Channel. This incident occurred in the French search and rescue area today, compelling the occupants to leap into the water.

French authorities have confirmed that a total of 157 individuals were rescued, with no reported injuries as of now. Various emergency services and agencies, including the British coastguard, are actively addressing the ongoing situation.

The rescued individuals are being brought to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a city in northern France, where they will receive assistance from the fire and rescue service and other French organizations.

According to French authorities, the individuals on the small boat were forced to jump overboard when the vessel caught fire. They stated, “This morning, a small boat caught fire on the French-British waters boundary, leading its occupants to jump into the water. French and British rescue services swiftly responded, rescuing 157 individuals who are currently being brought ashore at Boulogne-sur-Mer for assistance.”

A spokesperson from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency mentioned, “A vessel caught fire this morning in the French search and rescue region, with UK vessels and a lifeboat providing assistance.”

Additionally, the RNLI spokesperson reported that the Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 6 am to respond to the incident.

Reports indicate that 157 migrants were rescued today after their boat caught fire while attempting to cross the English Channel. French authorities informed AFP that a small boat caught fire at the French-British waters border, leading its occupants to jump into the water. They stated that there have been no casualties reported at this time.

Thank you for following our live coverage of this event. We have reached out to the Home Office, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for comments. We will provide their statements and further updates as soon as they become available.