RNLI volunteer targeted online and branded 'traitor' after Portsmouth protests
Summary
An RNLI volunteer in Portsmouth was wrongly accused online of helping migrants arrive by small boat, leading to abuse and being called a "traitor." The volunteer explained that the RNLI was there to keep people safe and denied assisting migrants, while the charity said the abuse towards its volunteers is unacceptable.Key Facts
- An RNLI volunteer and colleagues were filmed in lifeboat gear near Portsmouth during anti-migrant protests.
- Protesters blocked roads after migrants were brought to shore at Eastney port.
- Online posts wrongly identified the volunteer as someone helping migrants and shared abusive messages.
- The RNLI volunteer said their role was to protect protesters’ safety and denied being a "traitor."
- The RNLI chief called the abuse of volunteers unacceptable and said their main work is rescuing people at sea.
- Only a small portion (1.2%) of RNLI rescue missions last year involved people in distress in the Channel.
- The UK Border Force intercepted about 95% of small migrant boats crossing the Channel.
- Government officials are concerned about personal details of RNLI staff being shared online and are talking to tech companies about it.
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