EXCLUSIVE Lifeboat crews are caught in sexism and racism storm: ‘Alpha males’ are ordered to go on diversity course amid wokery row
- A report alleged female volunteers are denied from missions by the ‘old crew’
RNLI lifeboatmen have accused the charity of being fixated with a ‘woke crusade’ amid a row over ‘alpha male’ bad behaviour.
The sea rescue charity has ordered a ‘full-scale cultural review’ at Hastings Lifeboat Station in East Sussex after a damning internal report alleged female volunteers are barred from missions by the ‘old crew’.
The report says: ‘Female crew are generally unwelcome. Only ‘alpha males’ with a history at the station are welcome. There is a feeling women are fine on shore, but not to go afloat.’
All lifeboat staff at Hastings have been ordered to attend diversity and inclusivity training by the charity’s safeguarding chief to stamp out bias against women and ethnic minorities.
The report, written by RNLI managers, adds that there is ‘evidence of racism by way of lack of opportunities for people of colour’ who intend to volunteer, and through ‘racist language’.
‘Female crew are generally unwelcome and only ‘alpha males’ with a history at the station are welcome, according to damning review of Hastings Lifeboat Station in East Sussex
It goes on: ‘Physically intimidating gestures have been made towards females.’ These included the ‘I’m watching you’ sign, where a person puts two fingers to the eyes signifying defiance, contempt or derision.
The report, seen by The Daily Mail, cited alleged comments such as ‘we don’t like her, get rid of her’ from old crew to their female counterparts.
Critics have accused the RNLI, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year, of acting as a ‘taxi service’ for illegal migrants crossing the Channel.
Its website states it is a member of LGBTQ+ lobby group Stonewall’s controversial ‘Diversity Champions’ programme, and it actively encourages volunteers with disabilities and different ethnic or gender backgrounds.
A lifeboat whistleblower who approached the Mail accused the charity of putting diversity ahead of seamanship training at Hastings.
The uproar comes after two male crew members were asked to ‘stand down’ this year following an inquiry. The whistleblower, who wished to remain anonymous, said last night: ‘We rescued hundreds of people last year. A lot of them migrants, but other casualties too.
‘The RNLI, sitting in their plush head offices in Poole, Dorset, are ruining the institution with their latest woke crusade.’
The whistleblower added: ‘I am speaking because I can’t stand what’s going on here any longer.
‘The sea doesn’t care about your feelings. You need a solid boat, a strong pair of hands, and a belly for it,’ they said. Five years ago two lifeboat volunteers were sacked in a row over mugs featuring a naked woman were discovered in a cupboard at Whitby lifeboat station in North Yorkshire.
After the men were dismissed, three others resigned in protest, arguing the mugs were ‘banter’ and the reaction was overkill. The charity responded that the incident was ‘not trivial’ and threatened serious consequences for such behaviour.
The RNLI said earlier this month that it saved 108 Channel migrants’ lives in 2022. It launched 290 times to rescue migrants, mainly from the South-East coast, including Hastings.
The charity said: ‘The RNLI takes allegations and concerns raised by staff and volunteers very seriously and has a process in place to ensure these are heard and investigated effectively.
The RNLI said earlier this month that it saved 108 Channel migrants’ lives in 2022. It launched 290 times to rescue migrants, mainly from the South-East coast, including Hastings
‘The RNLI has a code of conduct which outlines the behaviours and values which the charity expects all staff and volunteers to adhere to. Where these standards fall short, we will take action.
‘A thorough investigation has taken place into behaviour at Hastings Lifeboat Station and appropriate action has been taken based on the findings.
‘Local management continue to work closely with the station to create a positive environment to continue saving lives at sea.’
It added: ‘At the RNLI we aim to be truly inclusive, valuing diversity and appreciating everyone for their individual contribution to saving lives at sea.
‘To help us achieve this we are members of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, an advisory service based on the Equality Act, which assists employers to embed LGBT+ inclusion across their organisation.’
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