RNLI forced to suspend Portsmouth rescue service after migrant-saving crews are branded 'traitors'

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been compelled to stand down its Portsmouth lifeboat station after volunteers who rescued asylum seekers in the Channel were subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse, threats, and intimidation. The charity, which has saved countless lives at sea since its founding in 1824, has found itself at the centre of a bitter national controversy over illegal migration, with its own crews now targeted by anti-migrant demonstrators.

What happened in Portsmouth?

On September 6, hundreds of protesters blocked roads overnight in Portsmouth, vowing to prevent migrants from leaving the Hampshire port city after a dinghy carrying around 140 people arrived on the south coast. The vessel is believed to have made one of the longest journeys of any small boat crossing the English Channel, with landings as far west as Hampshire being a rare occurrence.

The RNLI crew that brought the dinghy to safety were subsequently named and pictured online by protesters, who condemned them as “collaborators” and “traitors” for doing their duty. The charity has since issued security advice warning volunteers and staff not to wear RNLI branding in public because of what it described as “unacceptable abuse”.

RNLI suspends Portsmouth lifeboat station

In a statement, the RNLI confirmed that the Portsmouth Lifeboat Station has been “temporarily off service” since September 7. Jacqui Irons, the charity’s south-east head of region, said: “We have a duty of care to our people, we therefore took the decision to pause activity at the station to review crew safety and wellbeing and to support those involved in the incident on September 6.”

She added that search and rescue cover continues to be provided by flanking RNLI and independent lifeboat stations, with the most appropriate asset to respond to any incident co-ordinated through HM Coastguard. The charity has another station on Hayling Island, and there is an independent station in Gosport, ensuring that the coast is not left unprotected.

How did politicians respond to the abuse?

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, earlier this month condemned the “appalling” abuse directed at the “hero crews” after they were labelled traitors online by “far-right thugs”. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman also weighed in, stating: “Directing abuse at people who dedicate themselves to helping others is appalling. We won’t tolerate social media being a haven for this kind of behaviour.”

RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparks was equally forthright, saying: “The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society, they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. Their action, in contrast, is wholly unacceptable in a civilised society.”

What do RNLI volunteers think about the protests?

One anonymous volunteer, who has served with the RNLI for over 11 years, said the charity was being targeted “as one”, even though many stations have nothing to do with the Channel crossings. He told the PA news agency: “There’s definitely a lot of talk amongst the crew, but it all centres around that affirmation that we’re just gonna keep doing what we’re doing. And the very small minority (of protesters) who have undertaken these activities doesn’t change what we’re gonna do.”

The volunteer admitted that crews have been “mindful” about whether to wear their uniform in public, a sad state of affairs for an institution that has long been a symbol of British decency and selflessness.

Why is the RNLI being targeted by anti-migrant protesters?

The protests are part of a wider backlash against the unprecedented scale of illegal immigration across the Channel, which has seen tens of thousands of people make the dangerous crossing in small boats. Many Britons, frustrated by the Government’s failure to stem the flow, have directed their anger at those who assist the migrants, including the RNLI, Border Force, and even the Royal Navy.

While the RNLI’s mandate is to save lives at sea, regardless of nationality or circumstance, critics argue that by rescuing migrants and bringing them to British shores, the charity is inadvertently facilitating the people-smuggling trade. This is a deeply uncomfortable dilemma for a nation that prides itself on its maritime heritage and its tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need.

What happens next for the RNLI and Portsmouth?

The RNLI has said it looks forward to the Portsmouth station “returning to operational service in the near future”, but the decision to suspend operations is a stark reminder of the tensions that now exist in coastal communities. Protests have been held at RNLI sites, including a small gathering at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, on September 9.

For now, the charity is reviewing crew safety and wellbeing, and the Government has pledged support for the police in investigating any threatening or unlawful behaviour. But the deeper question remains: how long can Britain’s lifeboat crews continue to do their humanitarian duty without being dragged into the political storm over migration?

Frequently asked questions about the RNLI Portsmouth suspension

Why did the RNLI suspend its Portsmouth service?

The RNLI paused operations at Portsmouth Lifeboat Station on September 7 after volunteers faced abuse and threats from anti-migrant protesters following the rescue of asylum seekers from the Channel.

Is there still lifeboat cover in the Portsmouth area?

Yes, search and rescue cover continues to be provided by flanking RNLI and independent lifeboat stations, including Hayling Island and Gosport, co-ordinated through HM Coastguard.

What has the RNLI said about the abuse?

The RNLI has condemned the abuse as “wholly unacceptable in a civilised society” and has issued security advice to volunteers and staff, including not wearing RNLI branding in public.

Will the RNLI return to Portsmouth soon?

The charity has stated it looks forward to the Portsmouth station returning to operational service in the near future, once crew safety and wellbeing have been reviewed.