An overcrowded mega-dinghy carrying 157 migrants caught fire in the English Channel today, forcing all those on board to jump into the sea.

Rescue efforts began at around 6am after the inflatable’s engine burst into flames shortly after leaving a beach near Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Two British Border Security Command boats and an RNLI lifeboat deployed to assist the rescue operation, which was led by the French.

Some 54 of the migrants were taken to France aboard the British vessels, while the rest were picked up by the French. There have been no reported fatalities although some of the passengers suffered minor burns.

More than 2,000 migrants have arrived on UK shores in small boat crossings since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. Mr Burnham is now heading on a family holiday despite only being in office for two weeks – prompting Reform UK to claim he is ‘bunking off’.

A UK coastguard spokesman said: ‘A vessel caught fire earlier this morning whilst in the French search and rescue region. UK vessels and a lifeboat are assisting.’ An RNLI spokesman said: ‘Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat launched at 6am.’

The stricken vessel was being tracked by British and French rescue boats when it caught fire, according to France’s Maritime Prefecture.

French officials have a controversial policy of not intercepting small boats at sea because they claim it could risk the lives of those onboard, though they can carry out rescues.

It comes a day after Reform proposed using the Royal Navy to return migrants to France or Belgium under a plan called Operation Fortress.

Responding to the incident, party leader Nigel Farage said: ‘We must put a stop to this. Our plan will save lives.’

Richard Tice, his deputy, said: ‘Being rescued and returned to France – let’s hope all safe. Just like Reform policy: rescue and return. It’s the humanitarian thing to do. We must stop people dying.’