RNLI: the UK and Ireland’s lifeboat charity, saving lives at sea with 400+ lifeboats and 238 stations. Volunteers drive safety on the coast.
A vessel carrying migrants attempting the English Channel crossing has caught fire in the French search-and-rescue zone near Boulogne-sur-Mer. French and British rescue teams have evacuated 157 people, disembarking them for medical assessment in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Five people required aid overnight; others refused assistance from French rescuers. The incident follows a UK-France agreement to curb small-boat crossings through patrols and surveillance upgrades.
Reform UK has pledged to deploy the Royal Navy to intercept migrant boats in the Channel and return occupants to France or Belgium in an operation dubbed Fortress. The proposals have drawn praise from some former military figures but criticism from Labour and other observers over legal viability and practicality.
Two people have been rescued after an aircraft ditched into the sea off Pembrokeshire following a mayday. The RNLI and coastguard coordinated a multi-agency response. Casualties were brought ashore and later transferred to hospital; both were discharged after treatment.
Two lifelike rescue efforts near Hartlepool and Boulmer have ended in tragedy as two separate incidents haul more questions about coastguard funding and water safety. Authorities report a death toll remains uncertain in one case and a confirmed fatality in the other, while families seek accountability and changes to safety provisions.
Police say a marine unit vessel hit Westminster Bridge, injuring five officers who are receiving treatment. Public is not believed to be involved. Emergency services responded and the bridge remains closed as investigations continue.