French and British teams rescue 157 migrants from boat on fire

French and British teams rescue 157 migrants trying to cross the English Channel after the engine of their boat caught fire.

French maritime authorities say the incident occurred when the boat

was still in France's search-and-rescue zone near British waters,

All passengers are due to disembark at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in northern France, for medical assessment and assistance.

The boat had initially departed Monday from Normandy shores and was being monitored by French rescue vessels.

Before the fire broke, five people onboard required assistance and were brought ashore, while the remaining passengers refused help from French rescuers.