A small boat carrying migrants from France to the UK caught fire and capsized in the English Channel, forcing the vessel to sink and triggering a large-scale rescue operation. According to BBC News, more than 170 people were rescued by French and British emergency teams, and all were subsequently returned to France.
The incident, reported by The Guardian, involved a dinghy carrying 173 people when the engine ignited, leading to the boat capsizing. French coastguard and UK search‑and‑rescue forces responded rapidly, evacuating the majority of passengers. Euronews added that the rescue operation was completed without any reported casualties, while the Jerusalem Post noted that over 150 migrants were saved. All rescued individuals were flown back to France by authorities, as stated by the BBC.
The event underscores the ongoing risk faced by migrants attempting to cross the Channel by unseaworthy craft, a route that has seen increasing numbers of dangerous crossings in recent years.