I’m writing to you – a loyal RNLI supporter – following the recent events in the media that have generated deliberate misinformation and misunderstanding about the RNLI and our lifesaving work in theChannel.
Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse. The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society – they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. These actions are wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can to care for and protect our people and theirfamilies.
The RNLI is an apolitical organisation. We are completely independent of government, powered by remarkable, kind people like you. For over 200 years, in all weathers, in peace and war, the RNLI and our amazing volunteers and staff have selflessly dedicated themselves to rescuing people they have never met before, without judgement, fear orfavour.
When the coastguard tasks a RNLI lifeboat crew to launch to a vessel or people in distress, we will always answer the call, whoever needs our help. It is a legal and moral obligation under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Courage is the RNLI’s currency. Dependable, loyal, service to others and our nations is ourhallmark.
RNLI lifeboats were tasked by the coastguard and launched 9,058 times in 2025. 109 of those launches were to those in distress in the Channel, representing 1.2 per cent of the RNLI’s total rescue work. Nearly 95 per cent of those who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year – one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – were picked up by the UK BorderForce.
‘I am extremely proud of – and grateful for – their vital lifesavingwork’
Our mission, and our tasking, is to rescue those women, children and men in danger of drowning. Anyone rescued from crossing the channel in these boats by the RNLI is immediately handed over to the UK’s immigrationauthorities.
While illegal immigration is a political issue, the RNLI has always existed to save lives at sea. 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. Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people from drowning atsea.
I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be liveslived.
With your continued support, this charity will continue to save lives at sea all around the UK and Ireland, just as we always have. So, on behalf of everyone at the RNLI, thank you for making thatpossible.
Sincerely,
Peter Sparkes
RNLI Chief Executive
PS. Please visit our web page for more information on this issue, and for answers to frequently askedquestions.
