A fundraising campaign has successfully raised £327,000 to purchase a rescue hovercraft for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which will be named The Flying Farage. The initiative follows comments made by Nigel Farage, a prominent British politician, who criticized the RNLI by describing it as a “taxi service” for illegal trafficking networks.

Organizers behind the campaign aimed to secure the hovercraft to provide additional maritime rescue capabilities while using the naming to highlight and respond to Farage’s remarks. The RNLI operates search and rescue services around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland, assisting those in peril at sea, including migrants attempting dangerous crossings.

The hovercraft’s contribution is expected to enhance rescue operations in shallow or difficult-to-navigate waters, where traditional lifeboats may face limitations. Supporters of the campaign say the fundraising success reflects public backing for the RNLI’s mission, particularly amid ongoing debates about migration and border security.

Farage’s comments on the charity had sparked controversy, with some interpreting his statement as an attack on the RNLI’s humanitarian role, while others argued it raised concerns about the unintended consequences of rescue operations in encouraging irregular migration. The RNLI has maintained its focus on saving lives at sea regardless of circumstances or individuals involved.

The campaign’s completion coincides with broader discussions about immigration policy and maritime safety in the United Kingdom, highlighting the complex challenges faced by organizations engaged in search and rescue missions in contested waters.