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RNLI Portsmouth station closure
The gist
Portsmouth Lifeboat Station went off service on 10 September after anti-migrant protests.
Its volunteers face abuse, so search-and-rescue cover now runs through flank stations.
How it unfolded
- Sep 6, 2026Two RNLI all-weather lifeboats from the Isle of Wight brought around 120 rescued migrants ashore at Eastney Point, Portsmouth; protesters blocked roads and disorder broke out.
- Sep 10, 2026Portsmouth Lifeboat Station in Eastney went off service, four days after the migrant arrival. The RNLI chief executive emailed volunteers to say security processes were being reviewed.
- Sep 16, 2026 -17, 2026Media reported the RNLI had temporarily suspended operations at the station following protests and abuse of volunteers; the RNLI said it hoped to have the station back on service as soon as possible.