General · 4 August 2026
157 people rescued after boat engine catches fire in the English Channel
Illustration: AI-generated for editorial context. Not photographic evidence.
The vessel's condition worsened very quickly during a crossing on Tuesday morning, triggering a large emergency response in a French maritime zone. A French Navy helicopter, two British Border Force ships and an RNLI lifeboat all helped bring the passengers to safety. Fifty-four people boarded UK vessels, while the rest were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer by French rescue crews later that afternoon.
Reported by Sky News · How we write briefs