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.
Sarah Connor
A dinghy carrying 157 migrants capsized in the English Channel today after its engine caught fire.
The search and rescue operation launched at 6 am on Tuesday, with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution deploying its Eastbourne all-weather boat simultaneously.
The dinghy, at sea for over 18 hours after departing near Dieppe, attempted to cross the Channel near Boulogne-sur-Mer when its engine ignited.
French authorities confirmed the incident occurred in French waters, stating, "A small boat caught fire at the border between French and British waters, leading its occupants to jump into the water."
A Coastguard spokesperson also confirmed, "A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region. UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting."
At this stage there have been no fatalities reported.
All 157 people rescued are being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, French authorities report, where they will receive attention from the fire and rescue service and state-commissioned organisations.
No reports of injuries or fatalities have emerged; a UK Government spokesperson echoed this, stating, "At this stage there have been no fatalities reported."
However, a maritime security expert noted, "Quite frankly, it's miraculous that no one has died, although searches in the area have been continuing."
French media reported some individuals suffered from hypothermia; it is understood that migrants initially refused assistance from French resources until the situation became one of extreme urgency.
A vessel transporting 160 individuals is believed to represent the second-largest crossing documented in the Channel, with reports indicating the use of "mega dinghies" has increased in recent months.
The average number of people per boat has risen significantly, from seven in 2018 to approximately 70 last month.
The UK Government stated that those on board will be safely returned to France, reiterating its commitment to preventing these crossings.
A UK-France agreement worth £662 million aims to prevent Channel crossings, including plans for riot-trained police on French beaches and the deployment of drones and helicopters.
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.
The provisional total for the year stands at 14,526, a 43% decrease compared to the 25,436 recorded by this time last year and a 14% reduction from the 16,903 in the same period in 2024.