RNLI sees supporter boost after abuse of volunteers

The RNLI said it has seen an increase in donations since it revealed its volunteers had been targeted by anti-migrant protesters.

After lifeboats took 120 migrants, intercepted off the Isle of Wight, to Eastney in Langstone Harbour last weekend, some crew members were targeted by protesters, sharing their photos and names in posts on social media accusing them of treason.

In a statement, it said it was "so grateful" for its supporters, adding that it had also been contacted by "a number of supporters and members of the public" who were withdrawing their support.

It comes as a rally was held near the charity's headquarters in Poole, Dorset, in support of its service.

About 100 people gathered for the march organised by Stand up to Racism Dorset.

Earlier this week, RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes hit out at the abuse of volunteers, describing it as "wholly unacceptable in a civilised society".

He said there had been "deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding" about the charity and condemned threats by "those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard".

Protesters gathered in Poole after about 140 migrants arrived in a single dinghy that had crossed the English Channel, prompting a major anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth on Sunday.

During the incident, the RNLI said it also helped to ensure the safety of anti-migrant protesters who had entered the sea off Portsmouth.

It later said it was reviewing its security procedures to ensure the safety of its members after the protests in Dover and Portsmouth.

As part of this, volunteers were told to consider not wearing RNLI branded clothing in some circumstances while representing the charity.

In a statement on Saturday, the charity said: "We've seen a significant increase in the number of donations we have received this week and we've welcomed a number of new supporters to our charity.

"Everyone at the RNLI remains focused on our core purpose of saving lives at sea," it added.