A volunteer with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has become the target of online harassment and has been branded a “traitor” after being wrongly identified in connection with protests in Portsmouth. The volunteer, identified only as Neil, stated that the RNLI vessel was present to illuminate the beach for the safety of protesters who had entered the sea.
Neil, who has served as an RNLI volunteer for over ten years, told BBC Verify that he is not a traitor and was merely performing his duty as a volunteer crew member. He expressed a desire for those labeling him a traitor to understand his role. The RNLI vessel was reportedly in the area to ensure the safety of individuals who entered the water during the protests.
Following the incident, replies to widely shared posts included significant abuse, with suggestions that the volunteer should be refused service in pubs and calls for his family to be identified. At least one post has since been removed by the platform for violating its rules. The platform has been contacted for comment.
Despite the online abuse, Neil stated he remains undeterred and will continue to respond to rescue calls. "I'll be back on the boat when the pager goes off," he said. BBC Verify is withholding the full names of individuals mentioned in the posts and the RNLI crews they volunteer with to protect their identities.
