Recent attacks on the RNLI “absolutely beggar belief”, the leader of the Isle of Wight Council has said.
Independent councillor Jonathan Bacon told County Hall on Wednesday (16th September 2026) there has been “a lot of misinformation” and on social media, much “wholly inappropriate comment”.
Misinformation and abuse
His remarks come after RNLI crews faced online and physical abuse following an incident in Portsmouth where two crew members were named and pictured online by protesters.
Portsmouth station suspended
The RNLI has confirmed its Portsmouth station has been “temporarily off service” since September 10 after volunteers were targeted for helping migrants at sea.
The Bembridge and Yarmouth rescue
On 6th September 2026, RNLI vessels from Bembridge and Yarmouth were called to support the rescue of around 140 migrants in a small boat heading towards the Hampshire coast.
Councillor Bacon said,
“I would like to comment briefly on the migrant issue. There’s been a lot of misinformation and particularly on social media a lot of wholly inappropriate comment. The attacks on the RNLI absolutely beggar belief.”
He said that earlier in the summer, councillors received a communication from a group based in Wootton, asking about this issue and “making certain assumptions”.
No asylum accommodation on the Island
Councillor Bacon said,
“There is currently no asylum dispersal accommodation on the Island, and the Home Office has not established any…nor has it plans that we’re aware of to do so.
“In respect of asserted fears about migrants being landed on the Island, there are no facilities and the likelihood of this happening is absolutely minimal.”
He added that there was never any question of this happening during the incident on 6th September 2026 and that local RNLI crews were involved due to there being no other resource available.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
