RNLI's Lifesavers Under Attack: Volunteers Branded 'Traitors' After Rescuing Channel Migrants

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers are used to saving lives, but recently some have found themselves doxxed and labelled as traitors. The organisation's leaders went as far as to ask their members not to wear their RNLI clothing or uniform in certain situations so they would not be identified by unscrupulous individuals.

'The RNLI is a charity that exists to save lives at sea. But recent events have generated deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding about our purpose and our lifesaving work in the Channel,' the charity wrote on social media.

Why Are RNLI Volunteers Branded as Traitors?

Part of the role of RNLI volunteers is to help rescue people who are stranded, drowning or in distress in the English Channel. However, the Channel has become a popular route for migrants attempting to reach the United Kingdom and claim asylum.

On 6 September 2026, a small boat carrying roughly 120 to 140 migrants was intercepted after crossing the Channel from France. RNLI crews were dispatched to rescue the migrants, but were refused permission to land in the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth.

The RNLI vessels carrying the migrants eventually landed at Eastney Marina in Portsmouth. When news of the landing spread, some 200 people, many wearing masks, appeared to protest the arrival of the migrants.

Suddenly, the volunteers were being labelled traitors by 'anti-immigrant' protesters. Images of some crew members who were reportedly involved in last Sunday's rescue were shared on social media, and those pictured were subjected to online harassment.

Some Britons also claimed on social media that they would no longer donate to the RNLI. The organisation is an independent charity that relies mostly on public donations.

'Some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in some cases, physical abuse. This is unacceptable,' the RNLI also said on social media. 'We are tasked by HM Coastguard to help those in distress, and we'll do so whenever, wherever and whoever they are.'

Officials Are Speaking Up

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the organisation deserved gratitude for responding to hundreds of incidents every year. 'RNLI volunteers put themselves in harm's way to save lives. They should never face abuse or threats for doing so,' said Khan.

'That includes the crews based on the Thames, who respond to hundreds of incidents every year. They deserve to be thanked, not attacked,' he added. The Green Party, meanwhile, called the volunteers 'patriots.'

While British personality Ant Middleton acknowledged that RNLI volunteers had saved many lives, he also claimed the organisation was being used to advance the Government's agenda.

'The @RNLI do indeed save lives. That I've gotten behind before and supported. However, escorting illegal immigrants onto our shores IS NOT SAVING LIVES. It is ultimately costing the lives of innocent British children, women and British citizens!' Middleton said.

The 2028 mayoral hopeful continued: 'Please stop with all the BS about saving lives. Enough is enough! The RNLI (unfortunately corrupted (by) @UKLabour government) is doing way more damage to Britain and Brits than it is good.'

Peter Sparkes, RNLI chief executive, rejected similar accusations echoed by critics online. 'I have seen ludicrous rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations. These rumours are completely baseless and untrue,' said Sparkes.