RNLI closes Portsmouth lifeboat station after huge anti-migrant protests

The RNLI has temporarily suspended services in Portsmouth following anti-migrant protests in the city.

Volunteers for the service were branded “traitors” after bringing 120 migrants ashore near Portsmouth Lifeboat Station.

Protests erupted near the station and threats against the RNLI and its personnel skyrocketed across the country.

Volunteers have had their addresses leaked online and some have been told not to wear their RNLI uniform in public on the grounds of safety.

The station in Eastney has now been closed since 10 September and Eastney RNLI have also taken down their Facebook page.

The Poole Old Lifeboat Museum also shut down after several incidents of anti-migrant protesters verbally assaulting their volunteers.

Chief executive Peter Sparkes slammed the hate as coming from those who “hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard”, whose “action is wholly unacceptable”.

He said: “Recent events have generated deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding about the RNLI – our purpose, our tasking, and particularly our lifesaving work in the Channel.

“Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.”

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Portsmouth Lifeboat Station has been temporarily off service since 10 September.

“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.

“At times, it is not unusual for lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland to be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance or other operational requirements.

"In such circumstances, established contingency arrangements are put in place to ensure continued search and rescue cover.”

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