On Tuesday morning, French maritime authorities reported that the boat’s engine “caught fire” and its structure quickly deteriorated, prompting an urgent mayday call.
All 157 people on board were safely rescued and returned to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France.
The French maritime prefecture noted that migrants determined to reach the United Kingdom often refuse assistance unless in “situations of extreme urgency.” No fatalities occurred.
The incident highlights the severe risks of small boat crossings, a U.K. government spokesperson commented. Britain will persist in working diligently with France and other partners to prevent such dangerous journeys, the spokesperson added.
Burnham visited Dover on Monday, stating that his government, two weeks in office, was already making strides in addressing irregular migration. He mentioned a doubling of enforcement officers targeting smuggling operations on both sides of the Channel and called for “a system that offers safe routes for people.” Since Burnham took office, over 2,000 migrants have reached Britain by small boat.
This rescue occurred as migration reemerged as a top issue in European politics after 72,000 people arrived in Ceuta last week. Following a period of blame exchanges among governments, EU interior ministers united behind Spain at an emergency meeting, assuring that the Schengen zone remained secure and advocating for tighter coordination on future border challenges.
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