The RNLI has been forced to close its Portsmouth lifeboat station as a result of huge anti-migrant protests in the city.
Volunteers at the station have been branded “traitors”, had their home addresses shared online and even suffered physical abuse in recent days.
This comes after 120 migrants were rescued from a dinghy by the RNLI last week and brought ashore near the Portsmouth Lifeboat Station.
Balaclava-clad men blocked roads on September 6 after the migrants were brought ashore.
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This has been followed by days of anti-migrant protests in the Portsmouth areas, and the station in Eastney has been forced to close since 10 September as a result.
Eastney RNLI have also taken down their Facebook page, whilst the Poole Old Lifeboat Museum has also shut down after several incidents of anti-migrant protesters verbally assaulting their volunteers, the Independent reports.
The RNLI said in a statement: “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.”
The abuse and vitriol towards volunteers has been so fierce that some have been advised not to wear their RNLI uniform in public on the grounds of safety.
Meanwhile, 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.
The RNLI’s chief executive Peter Sparkes has slammed the hate volunteers are receiving for their work, revealing that some volunteers and staff had even been physically abused.
Sparkes 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.
“The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society, they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe.”
He added: “Stand by them, not against them and their families. I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work.”