The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has temporarily suspended operations at its Portsmouth Lifeboat Station following a surge of abuse and threats directed at its volunteers after they rescued migrants crossing the English Channel. The station, located in Eastney on the south coast of England, has not been operational since early September due to concerns for crew safety and ongoing hostility.
On September 6, two RNLI all-weather lifeboats brought approximately 120 migrants to shore at Eastney Point after rescuing them in the Channel. The dinghy carrying the migrants was reported to have made one of the longest small-boat journeys to date, with landings as far west as Hampshire considered rare. As news of the arrival spread, dozens of anti-migrant demonstrators, including hard-right activists affiliated with groups such as Patriot Platform, gathered near the lifeboat station. Protesters blocked the main road in and out of the area, confronting volunteers and hindering the transportation of migrants to detention facilities.
Videos circulating on social media showed RNLI volunteers being called “traitors,” and some crew members had personal information shared online alongside threatening messages. Protest activity was not limited to Portsmouth; a smaller anti-migrant protest took place on September 9 at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset. In response to the threats, the RNLI advised volunteers to avoid wearing branded clothing or uniforms in public, and the Portsmouth station removed its Facebook page to defuse tensions.
Several protesters have faced legal action following disturbances, including charges of violent disorder. Del Leon Somerville appeared in court charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer, relating to incidents during the September 6 protest. Police reported injuries among officers and highlighted the challenges posed by demonstrators, some of whom wore disguises such as balaclavas.
The RNLI leadership condemned the abuse of its staff and volunteers, labeling it “wholly unacceptable” and attributing the backlash partly to misinformation about the charity’s role. Peter Sparkes, RNLI chief executive, emphasized that the organization operates without judgment or political bias, focusing solely on lifesaving efforts. He noted that in 2025, just over 1% of the RNLI’s more than 9,000 callouts related to small boats in the Channel.
While the Portsmouth station remains out of service, the RNLI said search and rescue coverage continues through contingency arrangements involving nearby lifeboat stations, including one on Hayling Island and independent units in Gosport. Authorities have also called on social media platforms to enforce policies against abusive and discriminatory content and pledged to work with law enforcement to address criminal behavior.
The UK government condemned the targeting of RNLI volunteers, describing abuse directed at those risking their lives to save others as “appalling.” The controversy underscores growing tensions surrounding Channel crossings and migrant issues in coastal communities.