The Poole Old Lifeboat Museum has temporarily closed after its volunteers were subjected to verbal assaults and threats from anti-migrant protesters.
The museum announced its closure on Facebook, stating it would remain shut while protests continued regarding the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) being used to rescue migrants.
Around 60 protesters gathered outside the RNLI's headquarters in Poole, Dorset, on Wednesday night. The demonstration was fueled by an incident on Sunday where two RNLI boats rescued approximately 140 migrants from a large dinghy in the English Channel. These migrants were subsequently taken to Eastney, Portsmouth, after being denied permission to dock at Southampton Port and Portsmouth Harbour, reportedly due to warnings of potential criminal prosecution.
The arrival of the migrants in Portsmouth led to a standoff involving around 500 protesters who reportedly blocked local roads to prevent authorities from moving the individuals to an immigration processing center in Kent. Anti-migrant group Poole Patriots joined the protest outside the RNLI headquarters, accusing the charity of engaging in criminal activity by facilitating the entry of "unvetted young men."
In response to the protests, RNLI volunteers, including some involved in the Sunday rescue, reported experiencing threats and abuse. Some protesters were observed handing out rape alarms to women and girls present.
An RNLI spokesperson stated that the decision to close the museum was a precautionary measure and expressed hope for its reopening the following day. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, RNLI vice-president, described the targeting of volunteers as "quite disgraceful," emphasizing that the RNLI only responds to calls from the Coastguard to save lives at sea, regardless of nationality. He added that the government, not the RNLI, should address the issue.
Protesters, however, indicated their grievances were not with individual RNLI volunteers but with the charity's leadership and the government's policies. An army veteran identifying as part of Hampshire Resistance suggested that while RNLI volunteers are following orders, the situation reflects a broader problem requiring political change.
Further protests are scheduled in Portsmouth, with opposing marches planned by South Coast Patriots and Stand up to Racism.
In response to similar incidents, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met with police chiefs to ensure readiness in dealing with far-right groups. She highlighted the fear factor associated with protesters wearing face coverings and indicated an expectation for police to utilize their powers to ban such attire at anti-migration demonstrations.