‘Their boat was sinking’: RNLI vows to keep rescuing asylum seekers despite attacks
Summary
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said it will keep rescuing asylum seekers crossing the English Channel, despite attacks on its staff and false rumors about its work. The RNLI explained that only a small part of its rescues involve small boats in the Channel, and shared stories from volunteers who saved people from dangerous situations at sea.Key Facts
- The RNLI helps people in trouble at sea, including some asylum seekers crossing the Channel.
- Attacks against RNLI volunteers include both online abuse and physical threats.
- False rumors said the RNLI houses asylum seekers or secretly moves them, but the charity denied this strongly.
- In 2025, RNLI lifeboats launched 9,058 times, with only 109 of those related to small boats in the Channel (about 1.2%).
- Nearly 95% of small boat crossings were handled by the UK Border Force in 2024.
- RNLI volunteers describe rescuing people from overcrowded, unsafe boats and life-threatening situations.
- International maritime law requires vessels to help anyone in danger at sea, which guides RNLI operations.
- Although the RNLI faces protests, it remains committed to saving lives without judgment.
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