RNLI Reviews Security After Volunteers Targeted Online
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RNLI is reviewing its security procedures to ensure the safety of its members after protests in Dover and Portsmouth, where its volunteers were targeted online.
As part of this review, volunteers have been advised to consider not wearing RNLI branded clothing in certain circumstances while representing the charity.
This follows incidents where around 120 migrants were intercepted off the Isle of Wight and brought ashore in Portsmouth. Some crew members had their photos and names shared on social media, with accusations of treason.
RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes called this abuse "wholly unacceptable."
In a message to volunteers, Sparkes stated that participation in the rescue was requested by HM Coastguard, adding:
“This was the first time we have been involved in a Channel crossing incident of this magnitude this far west.”
Initially, crews from Bembridge and Yarmouth stations responded, later joined by four more after protesters entered the water in Portsmouth.
During the incident, the RNLI also assisted in ensuring the safety of anti-migrant protesters in the sea off Portsmouth.
BBC Verify spoke to Neil, a volunteer branded a "traitor" whose image was shared online:
“We were there, purely for the safety of the protesters in the water. It would be nice for those people who called me a traitor to know that I’m not.”
RNLI vice-president Sir Robin Knox-Johnston condemned the abuse directed at crew members, suggesting that those criticising them might change their tune if they found themselves in a similar situation.
Sparkes acknowledged public interest in RNLI’s work but reminded volunteers that when tasked by HM Coastguard, the RNLI rescues people in distress, regardless of their nationality or the reason for their crossing. He encouraged crew members to take precautions for their own safety.
