‘Their boat was sinking’: RNLI vows to keep rescuing asylum seekers despite attacks

A leading maritime charity has defended its ongoing efforts to rescue asylum seekers in the Channel, rejecting false claims and condemning recent abuse against volunteers—both online and in person—following high-profile small boat arrivals. The organization insists its small boat rescues represent only a fraction of its broader operations, while dismissing unfounded allegations about housing or relocating those it assists. With tensions rising, the charity has reaffirmed its commitment to lifesaving missions despite growing hostility toward its staff. Critics, however, continue to fuel baseless rumors about its role in asylum seeker support.

Charity stresses small boat rescues are tiny part of its work and speaks out after volunteers abused by far-right agitatorsThe lifeboat charity RNLI has vowed to continue to rescue asylum seekers in the Channel despite attacks on volunteers and staff after the recent high-profile small boat landings.RNLI bosses said workers had been subjected to online and physical abuse and there had been “baseless” rumours that the charity has housed asylum seekers or moved them to secret locations after helping them to shore. Continue reading...