NewsWorld newsFireLIVEUpdated just nowServices including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and British and French coastguards are responding to a fire on board a migrant boat in the English ChannelThe coatguard launched a rescue operation this morning(Image: PA)Updated 11:20, 04 Aug 2026A migrant boat has caught on fire while attempting to cross the English Channel, local authorities told AFP.Multiple emergency services and agencies are responding to the incident, which is understood to have occurred earlier today.French and British ships rescued 157 people after their boat caught fire, authorities said.View PostView PostView PostToday11:09 BSTFire took place in French region of ChannelA Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region. UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting."Today11:06 BSTLifeboat launchedA spokesperson for RNLI said: "Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat launched at 6am today to an incident."Today11:03 BSTAlmost 160 migrants rescuedA total of 157 migrants have reportedly been rescued this morning as their boat caught fire while trying to cross the English Channel.French authorities told AFP: "A small boat caught fire at the border of French and British waters, leading its occupants to jump into the water."The statement added that no casualties have been reported "at this stage".‌Today10:54 BSTGood morningGood morning and thank you for joining our live coverage of this incident.We have approached the Home Office, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for comment.We will bring you their statements and more information as soon as we get them.‌