An RNLI lifeboat in the Channel. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PAView image in fullscreenAn RNLI lifeboat in the Channel. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PADinghy carrying 157 people capsizes in Channel after engine catches fire Passengers rescued by French and British vessels and some being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France
A dinghy carrying 157 people has capsized in the Channel after its engine caught fire at sea.
They were rescued from the water by French vessels aided by two British Border Security Command boats and a RLNI lifeboat, and are being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, French authorities said.
Some 54 of the people were taken to France on the British vessels.
It comes a day after Reform UK proposed using the Royal Navy to return migrants to France or Belgium under a plan called “operation fortress”.
Responding to the incident, the party’s leader, Nigel Farage said: “We must put a stop to this. Our plan will saves lives.”
