THE RNLI have seen donations go through the roof after being abused for saving the lives of migrants crossing the English Channel in hope of reaching the UK.

The charity has received £200,000 in donations within 24 hours after the organisation’s chief executive, Mark Dowie, defended volunteers for helping people at risk.

Usual daily contributions amount to £7,000 meaning the spike is more than 28 times larger than average.

There was also a near four-fold increase in people viewing volunteering opportunities on the sea charity’s website during the same period.

It comes after reports of RNLI volunteers being heckled after bringing migrants to safety earlier this week.

Crews described being on the receiving end of an “angry mob” after coming back from a rescue, with members of the public shouting at the migrants to go “back to France”.

Mark Dowie said the sea charity was “doing the right thing” by going to people’s aid, regardless of their reason for being in the water.

He said: “The people of these islands (the UK) fundamentally are decent people, and all decent people will see this as humanitarian work of the highest order

“Our crews should not have to put up with some of the abuse they received.”

Mr Dowie described the migrant crisis as a “polarising issue” but defended crews who carry out “humanitarian work of the highest order”.

“We have seen an uplift in donations, with over £200,000 being donated yesterday alone through a combination of one-off donations, new regular support and supporters increasing their regular donation amount.

“This is simply incredible.”

After the reports of lifeboat crews receiving abuse, we asked Leader readers what they thought on our Facebook page.

Elizabeth Asad said: "They should absolutely not be abused for helping these people. I think certain people have no idea what they have been through and are left with no choice. Well done RNLI keep up the good work."

Ashley Davies said: "...if you think all these boats are full of young Men, you are blatantly getting your only source of research from the daily mail. 52% of refugees are men."

Clayton 'Warro' Warr said: "The RNLI shouldn't have to justify saving lives, what is happening to this country?

"There will always be asylum seekers heading for the UK so long as it remains a better place than where they're escaping from - don't worry though, the way things are going in Britain that won't be the case much longer."

Belinda Bradley said: "The RNLI volunteers go out in all weathers putting their own lives at risk to save others, . All lives matter. The UK has more than its fair share of cruel, heartless bigots that will never contribute anything positive to our society."

But Chris Deacon said: "They shouldn't even get this far.

"They pass through several countries to reach the UK Why? Because we give them everything they want. Money, housing & nothing is expected in return. I personally think its disgraceful that this is happening.

In reply, Eadon Clay said: "Have a look at how many migrants those other countries take in compared to us. We take a fraction compared to them."

And Emma Roberts replied: "...imagine being that desperate that you’re willing to risk dying in the ocean alongside family and friends. Over 40% of refugees are children.

"I can imagine if you were being bombed, living in extreme poverty and were watching your family die you’d consider doing the same!"

Ann Evans said: "I cannot believe some of the inhumane responses in here.The RNLI are a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea regardless of race or creed. The crews risk their lives whenever they go out and do it regardless. There are people who paddle their dinghies out to sea when on holidays just for fun not because they are desperate. The RNLI will go out to everyone. Shame on the people who criticise this great charity."

Annie Maluver said: "Do these knuckle draggers complaining expect RNLI to ask to see passports before they rescue Tarquin who has fallen off his windsurfer?

"We are humans, we should help all fellow mankind."

Jason Cambridge didn't agree, he said: "Give them food clean clothes and a one way ticket back home."

Josie Hollins replied: "...where do you intend sending them they have no home? Expect your views are the same as many any other country can deal with it but not the UK."

"If you can see these people without pitying them then you have no humanity and no hope. People fleeing terrible circumstances are not the problem. The billionaires who have used their influence to create hatred are the problem.