Mega-dinghy ‘carrying 160 migrants’ catches fire while attempting to cross the Channel

A MEGA-dinghy carrying 157 migrants caught fire during an attempt to cross the English Channel this morning. The major search and rescue operation was launched at around 6am after the vessel’s engine burst into flames in French waters. Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Eastbourne was deployed to help rescue those onboard the dinghy Credit: Getty At this stage it is not yet known whether anyone was injured or killed in the incident Credit: Getty The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Eastbourne was deployed alongside British and French coastguard teams to help rescue those onboard and return them to France. France’s maritime prefecture for the Channel and the North Sea confirmed that 157 people had been rescued – including 54 who were taken on board British vessels. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! At this stage it is not yet known whether anyone was injured or killed in the incident. A Coastguard spokesman said: “A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region. “UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting.” The incident comes as the number of migrants packed onto small boats crossing the Channel continues to rise. The average number of people per boat has increased from just seven in 2018 to 63 in the year to March this year. That figure rose to around 70 last month. Most read in The Sun In July, a record 165 migrants crossed the Channel in a single dinghy, the highest number ever recorded on one small boat. The Sun has contacted the French Coastguard and the Home Office for comment. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. 11 comments11