The RNLI has temporarily closed its Portsmouth station following anti-migrant protests in the city.
Volunteers for the service were branded “traitors” after bringing 120 migrants, who had been rescued from a single dinghy, ashore near Portsmouth Lifeboat Station.
Protests erupted near the station and threats against the RNLI and its personnel skyrocketed across the country.
Volunteers have had their addresses leaked online and some have been told not to wear their RNLI uniform in public on the grounds of safety.
The station in Eastney has now been closed since 10 September and Eastney RNLI have also taken down their Facebook page.
The Poole Old Lifeboat Museum also shut down after several incidents of anti-migrant protesters verbally assaulting their volunteers.
RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes slammed the hate as coming from those who “hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard”, whose “action is wholly unacceptable”.
He said: “Recent events have generated deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding about the RNLI – our purpose, our tasking, and particularly our lifesaving work in the Channel.
“Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.”
A spokesperson for the charity said that Portsmouth Lifeboat Station had been “temporarily off service” since 10 September.
“We hope to have the lifeboat station back on service as soon as possible.
“Search and rescue cover continues to be provided through established contingency arrangements, including flank RNLI stations and other declared assets.
“At times, it is not unusual for lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland to be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance or other operational requirements.
“In such circumstances, established contingency arrangements are put in place to ensure continued search and rescue cover.”
Police have launched an investigation into abusive social media content directed at RNLI volunteers, including two who had their photos, full names and home addresses leaked.
Chief inspector Adam McCaig warned that attempting to intimidate or obstruct maritime rescue teams actively endangers human lives.
“The RNLI exists to save lives at sea, and any disruption to that mission could have serious consequences for those in need of urgent assistance,” Mr McCaig said.
“We would advise anyone considering carrying out any action that could hinder the RNLI’s vital lifesaving work to carefully consider the implications.”
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