RNLI boat damage incident
The gist
Portsmouth RNLI station has been off service since September 10 after a migrant-rescue protest.
Volunteers faced abuse and a boat was damaged, so the charity paused lifesaving cover.
How it unfolded
- Sep 6, 2026RNLI crews helped a dinghy carrying around 120 people ashore at Eastney, Portsmouth. A crowd of about 200 gathered to protest; seven police officers were injured and vehicles were damaged.
- Sep 7, 2026Portsmouth Lifeboat Station was temporarily taken off service.
- Sep 10, 2026The station was confirmed as off service, with search and rescue cover provided by flank RNLI and independent stations.