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

Charity emphasises small boat rescues are tiny part of its work and speaks out after volunteers abused by far right

The 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 had housed asylum seekers or moved them to secret locations after helping them to shore.