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Services including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and British and French coastguards are responding to a fire on board a migrant boat in the English Channel
The coatguard launched a rescue operation this morning (file photo)(Image: PA)Updated 11:33, 04 Aug 2026
A migrant boat has caught on fire while attempting to cross the English Channel.
The incident took place in the French search and rescue region this morning as the vessel's occupants were "forced to jump in the water".
It has been confirmed by French authorities that a total of 157 people were rescued, with no reported casualties "at this stage".
Multiple emergency services and agencies, including the British coastguard, are responding to the incident, which remains ongoing.
Those rescued are currently being brought ashore at Boulogne-sur-Mer, a city in northern France, where they will receive support from the fire and rescue service and other French organisations.
Today11:24 BST
People 'forced to jump into water'
The people present on the small boat were forced to jump into the water when the vessel caught fire, French authorities have confirmed.
A spokesperson told the Mirror: "This morning, a small boat caught fire on the boundary between French and British waters, forcing its occupants to jump into the water.
"French and British rescue services responded quickly. A total of 157 people were rescued and are currently being brought ashore at Boulogne-sur-Mer, where they will be attended to by the fire and rescue service (SDIS) and state-commissioned organisations.
"At this stage, there are no reported casualties. The operation is still ongoing."
Almost 160 people were rescued(Image: PA)
Today11:09 BST
Fire took place in French region of Channel
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region. UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting."
Today11:06 BST
Lifeboat launched
A spokesperson for RNLI said: "Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat launched at 6am today to an incident."
Today11:03 BST
Almost 160 migrants rescued
A total of 157 migrants have reportedly been rescued this morning as their boat caught fire while trying to cross the English Channel.
French authorities told AFP: "A small boat caught fire at the border of French and British waters, leading its occupants to jump into the water."
The statement added that no casualties have been reported "at this stage".
Today10:54 BST
Good morning
Good morning and thank you for joining our live coverage of this incident.
We have approached the Home Office, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for comment.
We will bring you their statements and more information as soon as we get them.
English (US) · 
French (CA) · 
French (FR) ·