Ports denied request to land 120 migrants in RNLI boats
Port authorities in Portsmouth and Southampton refused to allow RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants to land, citing operational and facility limitations. The incident led to protests and a standoff at the landing site in Eastney.
Why it matters
The event highlights the ongoing political and logistical tensions surrounding migrant arrivals and the role of emergency services in the UK.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The King's Harbour Master Portsmouth declined a request to allow the migrants into the harbour, the BBC understands
Requests to accept the landing of RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants intercepted off the Isle of Wight were refused by both Portsmouth harbour and Southampton Port.
When the migrants were landed on Sunday at Eastney, in Langstone Harbour, anti-migrant protesters blocked the road .
Associated British Ports (ABP), which operates Southampton, said it was not the closest port and it "did not have suitable reception facilities available".
The BBC understands the King's Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth also declined a coastguard request, but it would not comment directly on operational matters.
The protest followed a separate demonstration at the Port of Dover on the previous day.
The Langstone Harbour Master said the migrants were "recovered" onto two RNLI vessels in the vicinity of the Nab Tower.
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