Dozens of migrants rescued after boat catches fire in English Channel
More than 150 migrants have been rescued after the boat they were using to cross the Channel caught fire on Tuesday morning.
French maritime prefecture of the Channel and North Sea said the boat was attempting to cross to the UK when its engine caught fire.
It noted that 157 people have been rescued and are being taken to port in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Nobody was injured or killed in the incident.
“Determined to reach the United Kingdom, migrants crossing the Channel in small boats refused assistance offered by French emergency service, accepting it only in situations of extreme emergency,” the French maritime prefecture stated.
While two French boats rescued 103 migrants, the British boats rescued 54.
The incident came amid resurfaced political discussions around the UK’s policies on illegal migration.
On Monday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said progress had been made in curbing the number of people arriving in the UK on small boats.
Mr Burnham noted that enforcement officers tackling people-smuggling gangs have been doubled on both sides of the Channel, stressing the need for “a system that offers safe routes” for UK citizens.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Abuja
Dutse residents commend road rehabilitation, seek quick completion
Mr Ishaku earlier promised that his administration would ensure the completion of ongoing projects.
States
Gov. Okpebholo receives late Orbih’s remains at Benin Airport
Mr Ize-Iyamu said Mr Orbih was a generous and compassionate man who helped countless people.
NationWide
Stock market rebounds, adds N209 billion to investors’ wealth
Red Star Express led the gainers, appreciating by 9.76 per cent to close at N13.40 per share.
States
Chairman vows to end ritual killings in Plateau LG
Mr Gonung also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies.
NationWide
IG Disu appoints Awu Jonah as head of police complaints unit
Mr Iniedu described Mr Jonah as a seasoned police officer.
Lagos
Agege baales endorse APC candidates for Lagos assembly seats
The baales said their decision was based on the candidates’ track records and commitment to grassroots development.
