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RNLI warns staff not to wear uniform after they suffer 'unacceptable abuse'
The charity is reviewing security and telling volunteers to avoid branded clothing after crew members were called traitors online.
The RNLI issued security guidance to volunteers on Thursday following "unacceptable abuse" from anti-migrant protesters in Dover and Portsmouth, advising staff to avoid wearing RNLI-branded clothing in some circumstances.
After crews helped bring about 120 migrants ashore in Portsmouth on Sunday, volunteers faced harassment online, being labeled "traitors," and protests erupted at the RNLI College in Poole on Wednesday.
Chief executive Peter Sparkes called the harassment "wholly unacceptable in a civilised society," while volunteers are "empowered to make decisions to keep yourself, your team or crew safe" and close stations if threatened.
The Home Office stated that "directing abuse at people who risk their lives in the service of others is appalling," warning that content shared to intimidate "can cross into criminality."
Sussex Police are investigating whether criminal offenses occurred, while RNLI vice-president Sir Robin Knox-Johnston urged the public to "have some sense about this," emphasizing crews operate solely for safety.