Boat carrying 160 migrants catches fire in English Channel

An inflatable dinghy carrying approximately 160 migrants caught fire on Tuesday morning while attempting to cross the English Channel, British authorities confirmed, triggering a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in French territorial waters.

The UK Coastguard stated that the vessel was still in French waters when the blaze began. French search and rescue teams deployed immediately to the scene, supported by the UK Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, according to The Telegraph.

Anglo-French rescue coordination

French authorities led the initial response as the incident occurred within their maritime boundaries. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution — a charity providing lifesaving services around the British Isles — mobilized volunteer crews alongside official coastguard resources to assist with the emergency.

UK Coastguard helicopters and lifeboats stood ready to provide additional support as the joint operation continued through Tuesday morning. The vessel remained in French waters throughout the incident, allowing French teams to coordinate the primary rescue effort.