An RNLI volunteer has become the subject of a significant online harassment campaign following the recent protests in Portsmouth. The volunteer was incorrectly identified by social media users as an individual involved in assisting small boat migrants, a narrative that quickly spread across various digital platforms. As a result of this false association, the volunteer was subjected to a barrage of abuse, including being branded a 'traitor' by online commentators.

BBC Verify investigated the claims and confirmed that the identification was entirely erroneous. The volunteer, who serves as part of the RNLI’s life-saving crew, had no involvement in the specific events or the migrant arrivals that triggered the online outrage. Despite the lack of evidence, the accusations persisted, forcing the volunteer to address the situation publicly. The incident highlights the growing trend of 'online vigilantism,' where individuals are targeted based on unverified social media posts and misidentified footage. The RNLI has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the specific security measures for this volunteer, but the case underscores the risks faced by charity workers when their professional roles are conflated with volatile political debates surrounding immigration. The volunteer’s experience serves as a case study in how quickly misinformation can lead to real-world consequences for private citizens.