Ports denied request to land 120 migrants in RNLI boats
Summary
Two ports, Portsmouth and Southampton, refused requests to let boats from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) land 120 migrants intercepted near the Isle of Wight. The migrants were eventually brought ashore at Eastney in Langstone Harbour, where protests blocked their movement and caused delays.Key Facts
- Portsmouth Harbour and Southampton Port declined requests to allow RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants to dock.
- Associated British Ports (operator of Southampton) said it wasn't the closest port and didn’t have proper facilities to receive migrants.
- The King's Harbour Master Portsmouth also refused a coastguard request but gave no public comment on the matter.
- Migrants were landed at Eastney, Langstone Harbour, where protesters blocked roads, stopping buses from moving the migrants.
- Portsmouth City Council said Eastney was an unsuitable landing spot that caused disruption.
- Langstone Harbour Master said the coastguard led a rescue operation and saw no reason to reject the landing.
- RNLI expressed disappointment over the communication with its crews who volunteer for rescue missions.
- Local officials criticized the Home Office for poor planning and lack of information during the event.
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