A blindness charity has distanced itself from criticism aimed at a lifeboat rescue organisation after protesters mistakenly targeted the wrong group online. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) announced it had been confused with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which recently rescued hundreds of migrants from a small boat and brought them ashore.
The mix-up occurred amid protests directed at the RNLI, which faced backlash for its role in migrant rescues. Instead, the RNIB was subject to unwarranted criticism on social media platforms, prompting the charity to clarify its position.
In a statement posted on Instagram alongside an illustration of a boat, the RNIB emphasized that it is not affiliated with the RNLI, noting, “We don’t even own a boat.” The organisation expressed support for the lifeboat service, describing the RNLI as “brave and brilliant” for its rescue efforts.
The RNLI responded to the confusion with a light-hearted comment, acknowledging the mix-up and thanking the RNIB. “This has certainly made us smile! Keep up the great work everyone,” the RNLI said.
The incident highlights challenges faced by humanitarian organisations operating in contentious environments, where public opinion can sometimes mistakenly conflate unrelated groups. Both the RNIB and RNLI continue to carry out their respective missions amid ongoing public discourse regarding migration and rescue operations.