More than 150 migrants rescued by French, British teams after boat caught fire in English Channel

French and British teams rescued 157 migrants from a burning boat in the English Channel on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred after the boat's engine caught fire, leading to a rapid deterioration of the vessel. Initially, five people were rescued by the French Sea Rescue Society on Monday night, but the remaining passengers declined assistance. French authorities stated, "Given the structural fragility of the overcrowded boats, the decision was made not to systematically force the boats to embark on rescue vessels, in order to avoid endangering the migrants' lives in the event of a shipwreck." Following the fire, a Mayday message was broadcast, and rescue teams brought 103 migrants to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, while British boats rescued the remaining 54. No fatalities were reported.