When I think of RNLI lifeboat crews, I think of brave heroes saving lives in waters that the vast majority of us would never dare enter. But hearing that these brave volunteers faced online and physical abuse following major anti-migrant protests in Dover and Portsmouth last weekend left a sour taste in my mouth.
An organizer has invited lifeboat crews to “refuse” to rescue migrant boats in the English Channel.
Another protester accused the RNLI of “facilitating the recruitment of unvetted illegal immigrants”.
There is no reason to believe that those present at the protest were involved in the reports of abuse of RNLI staff.
In fact, everyone I spoke to said they appreciated the work of the volunteers, but disagreed with their bosses and the charity’s involvement in saving small boats.
There are many issues with the migrant crisis, but it is clear to me that the RNLI is not one of them.
The RNLI says all vessels crossing the English Channel are classified as being in distress and, under international maritime law, any vessel that becomes aware of persons in distress at sea must take all reasonable steps to provide assistance.
Of the 9,058 lifeboats launched in the UK and Ireland last year, only 109 (1.2%) were launched by small boats in the English Channel.
The anger and frustration at the arrival of the small boats is of course understandable, but directing it at the RNLI and its volunteers will achieve little.
At the end of the day, the RNLI’s job is to save lives at sea, and it’s the politicians’ job to solve the crisis.