STORY
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has strengthened security after volunteers and staff received threats and abuse connected with rescues of people attempting to cross the English Channel. Personnel have been advised to consider avoiding branded clothing in places where they feel it could place them at risk.
The charity has also told teams that shops or lifeboat stations may be closed when necessary and they have increased security at some locations. The RNLI said that it had issued precautionary advice following unacceptable abuse directed at its personnel. The guidance is not a nationwide prohibition on wearing RNLI uniforms.
Protests have taken place outside RNLI facilities, while individual volunteers have reportedly been identified and targeted online. The charity has also rejected false claims that it secretly provides accommodation for asylum seekers. It said its crews would continue assisting anyone in danger at sea irrespective of nationality or immigration status, in accordance with their longstanding lifesaving role.