A police investigation has been launched after two Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers were branded “traitors” online and had their photos, full names and home addresses leaked in the wake of anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth on Sunday night.
Sussex Police confirmed that officers are reviewing abusive social media content directed at volunteers, who were part of a lifeboat operation bringing 120 people to safety after they were rescued from a single dinghy that had crossed the English Channel from France.
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.
“We would advise anyone considering carrying out any action that could hinder the RNLI’s vital lifesaving work to carefully consider the implications,” McCaig added.
The targeted harassment comes amid a sharp spike in anti-migrant sentiment across the country, where both Dover and Portsmouth were rocked by violent far-right demonstrations over the weekend.
The escalation has drawn sharp condemnation from leadership at the lifesaving charity, who vigorously defended the neutral, humanitarian mandate of maritime rescue operations.
Addressing the backlash and conspiracy theories circulating online, RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes issued a direct warning against “ludicrous” misinformation.
“The rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations … are completely baseless and untrue,” said Sparkes.
“Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people like you and me from drowning at sea.
“Stand by them, not against them and their families. I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be lives lived.”
Sparkes stressed that the charity is implementing robust safety measures to shield rescue personnel and their families as digital harassment increasingly translates into real-world threats.
The incident has also escalated political debate in Westminster over digital safety, prompting urgent calls to criminalise “doxxing” — the intentional publication of someone’s personal details online.
Digital Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed she has held direct talks with social media platforms to accelerate the removal of threat-inducing content and strengthen protections for frontline volunteers.
