A major rescue operation was launched in the English Channel after a large dinghy believed to be carrying 157 migrants caught fire this morning (August 4). The vessel's engine is thought to have ignited, prompting a response from British and French coastguard teams alongside the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Eastbourne.
Rescue and Response
The incident was reported around 6am, and a Coastguard spokesman confirmed: “A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region. UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting.” French authorities have reported that all 157 migrants were rescued and taken to the nearby port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
It is unclear at this stage whether anyone has been injured. The Daily Star has contacted the Home Office for further information.
Political Context
The rescue comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham promised his government will be "relentless" in curbing the number of people arriving in the UK on small boats. According to ITV, over 2,000 people have crossed the English Channel since Burnham became PM on July 20.
Latest figures show 326 migrants arrived on Saturday in four boats, bringing the total to 2,057 since he took over. During a recent visit to Dover, Burnham said he wanted to "grip" the issue of small boat arrivals rather than "play politics" with it.
“The public don’t like the idea that the border looks like it’s not controlled,” he said. “We need to bring back that control, but also we need to offer support for people who genuinely need it. Slowly but surely we are putting in place those building blocks of a very different approach to this issue. It’s working, but there’s more to be done.”
