A vessel carrying migrants caught fire during its journey across the English Channel, as confirmed by local authorities to AFP. The incident took place earlier today, prompting a swift response from various emergency services and agencies.
French and British ships successfully rescued 157 individuals from the burning boat, according to official reports. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson stated that the fire occurred in the French search and rescue region, with UK vessels and a lifeboat providing assistance.
RNLI reported that the Eastbourne all-weather lifeboat was launched at 6 am in response to the emergency. In total, 157 migrants were rescued this morning following the boat fire incident in the English Channel.
French authorities informed AFP that a small boat caught fire at the border between French and British waters, leading its occupants to jump into the sea. As of now, no casualties have been reported.
We welcome you to our live coverage of this ongoing incident. Efforts are underway to obtain comments from the Home Office, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Stay tuned for their statements and further updates on the situation.
