Migrant Dinghy Capsizes in Channel After Engine Fire
French and British crews rescue 157 migrants in French waters; no injuries or fatalities reported despite expert concerns.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
A dinghy carrying 157 migrants capsized in the English Channel today after its engine caught fire.
The operation began around 6 am in French waters; authorities now transport the migrants to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
A Coastguard spokesperson confirmed a vessel caught fire in the French search and rescue region this morning; UK vessels and a lifeboat provided assistance.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution launched its Eastbourne all-weather boat around 6 am on Tuesday morning to aid the rescue.
The dinghy attempted to cross the Channel near Boulogne-sur-Mer, having departed from near Dieppe and remaining at sea for over 18 hours.
No official reports confirm injuries or fatalities, though French media claims some individuals suffered from hypothermia.
Quite frankly, it's miraculous that no one has died, although searches in the area have been continuing.
A maritime security expert stated, "Quite frankly, it's miraculous that no one has died, although searches in the area have been continuing."
The dinghy carried 160 people, making a single boat with 160 individuals the second-biggest recorded in the Channel.
The use of "mega dinghies" has increased in recent months, with 165 migrants reaching the UK in a single boat last month.
The average number of people per boat has significantly risen, from seven in 2018 to approximately 70 last month.
relentless
Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged his government will be "relentless" in curbing the number of people arriving in the UK on small boats.
More than 2,000 migrants have arrived on UK shores in small boats since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.