A lifeboat station in Portsmouth has been forced to temporarily close after it and other sites run by the RNLI were targeted. The closure, which began on September 10, follows actions by individuals objecting to the lifeboat charity's assistance to people attempting to reach the UK in small boats.
A spokesperson for the RNLI stated that search and rescue cover continues through established contingency arrangements, including flank RNLI stations. They added that temporary unavailability of lifeboat stations for maintenance or operational requirements is not unusual, with contingency plans always in place.
The closure follows an incident on September 6 when two RNLI crews helped bring a dinghy carrying 120 asylum seekers to Eastney, Portsmouth. Far-right activists reportedly attempted to blockade the road to the landing spot, resulting in injuries to police officers. In the days that followed, lifeboat crew members were called 'traitors' and protests occurred, including at the RNLI headquarters in Poole.
RNLI volunteers across the UK have been advised to consider not wearing branded clothing if they feel it might put them at risk. They have also been told they can close shops or lifeboat stations if they feel in danger. The charity has defended its work, stating it has rescued people without judgment for over 200 years.