A major port city in Hauts-de-France, northern France
A boat carrying about 157 people has caught fire during an attempted Channel crossing and French and British authorities have rescued everyone on board and taken them to Boulogne-sur-Mer. No deaths have been reported. The incident has come as UK politicians renew calls to curb small-boat crossings and as crossings remain down year‑on‑year so far in 2026.
France’s Gravelines nuclear plant is running only one reactor at full capacity after jellyfish clogged cooling systems, forcing three reactors offline and cutting another’s output in half. EDF says safety remains intact and on-site teams are mobilised, while preventive fishing and cleaning efforts continue.
The UK and France have expanded a security pact to curb Channel crossings. French police have intercepted hundreds of small-boat attempts this summer, while UK officials say the joint effort is reducing crossings. Critics warn that heavy policing risks migrants’ safety as they push to reach Britain.
Protests against migrant arrivals in Portsmouth have intensified after a small boat carrying about 140 people reached the port. Authorities have moved the migrants to Manston in Kent for processing, while protesters wearing black masks have blocked roads and police have issued a dispersal order.
A minibus carrying 19 men has collided with a freight shuttle train at the Eurotunnel loading platform in Coquelles near Calais, French authorities have said. Two people have been seriously injured and 17 have suffered minor injuries. Vehicle shuttle services were suspended for 90 minutes and an investigation has been opened.
Patrick Stewart has died in Los Angeles after a long career spanning Shakespeare, stage and screen. The actors who shaped Star Trek and X-Men tributes throughout the industry.
Unions across 22 countries have launched a coordinated day of action, demanding an end to Middle East wars and the militarization of ports. The protests involve more than 110 ports, with disruptions reported in several major hubs; experts say the broader supply chain impact will likely be limited.