Abuse of volunteers forces temporary closure of Poole lifeboat museum
Anti-migrant protests lead to safety concerns and closure
Last updated 11th Sep 2026
The Poole Old Lifeboat Museum announced its temporary closure following several incidents of volunteers being verbally abused during anti-migrant protests in the area.
The decision was prompted by heightened tensions after a group of approximately 140 migrants arrived in Dorset via a single dinghy crossing the English Channel.
Protests spread to Portsmouth when lifeboats carried 120 migrants, intercepted off the Isle of Wight, to Eastney in Langstone Harbour.
There were reports of protesters targeting lifeboat crew members, accusing them of treason and sharing their personal details on social media.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reviewing its security procedures to protect volunteers and staff, advising them to avoid wearing branded clothing in certain situations.
The RNLI also played a role in ensuring the safety of anti-migrant protesters who entered the sea off Portsmouth.
A demonstration by masked men at the Port of Dover on Saturday disrupted operations further.
The Poole Museum, located on Poole Quay, documents the history of the RNLI from its inception in 1865 and is run by volunteers.
The crew shared on social media that the museum will remain closed until protests cease and safety is assured.