The RNLI has temporarily suspended operations at its Portsmouth lifeboat station following abuse and intimidation directed at volunteers after the arrival of a migrant boat in the Hampshire city.
The charity said the Portsmouth station had been “temporarily off service” since September 10, after footage circulated on social media showing volunteers involved in bringing a dinghy and its passengers to safety. Some crew members were subsequently described as “traitors” online.
An RNLI spokesman said: “We hope to have the lifeboat station back on service as soon as possible.
“Search and rescue cover continues to be provided through established contingency arrangements, including flank RNLI stations and other declared assets.”
The suspension follows protests in Portsmouth on September 6, when hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads and said they intended to prevent migrants from leaving the city after crossing the English Channel.
The boat was reported to have carried about 140 people, with the landing representing an unusually far-west arrival for a small boat crossing.
The RNLI subsequently issued security guidance advising staff and volunteers that, where appropriate, they could avoid wearing the charity’s branding because of what it described as “unacceptable abuse”.
An RNLI spokesman said: “Given the unacceptable abuse our people have faced, and with protest activity taking place at RNLI locations, we have taken action to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and staff.
“As well as enhancing security at RNLI locations, we issued guidance to our people earlier this week on how to keep themselves safe.
“This guidance included how to manage potentially challenging interactions with members of the public, and where appropriate, choosing not to wear RNLI-branded clothing.
“Our people have been reminded that their safety comes first, and they are encouraged to report relevant incidents internally and, where appropriate, to the police.”
RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes has described the abuse as “wholly unacceptable in a civilised society”, while saying protests had generated “deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding about the RNLI, our purpose, our tasking, and particularly our lifesaving work in the Channel”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told MPs she had spoken to technology companies about reports that names, addresses and photographs of RNLI personnel had been circulated online.
She said she was “concerned” about the risks posed by “doxxing”, while criminologist Dr Anna Tippett warned it could create a “profound sense of vulnerability” and discourage people from taking public-facing voluntary roles.
The RNLI said alternative search-and-rescue arrangements remain in place, including its Hayling Island station and other declared assets.
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