Requests to allow RNLI boats carrying 120 migrants, intercepted off the Isle of Wight, to land at either Portsmouth harbour or Southampton Port were refused, the BBC has learned. The migrants were eventually landed on Sunday at Eastney, in Langstone Harbour, a location that subsequently saw anti-migrant protesters block the road.

Associated British Ports (ABP), which operates Southampton, stated that the port was not the closest to the rescue location and lacked suitable reception facilities. The King's Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth also reportedly declined a coastguard request, though the KHM has not commented directly on operational matters. This refusal occurred despite the migrants being recovered onto two RNLI vessels near the Nab Tower and facing a slow journey due to the overloaded boats.

The decision to land at Eastney led to significant disruption. The narrow peninsula has a single access road, which demonstrators used to block coaches intended to transport the migrants, resulting in a stand-off that lasted into Monday morning. Portsmouth City Council described the landing site as "completely unsuitable" and a source of "needless disruption."

The Langstone Harbour Master, Billy Johnson, confirmed that the coastguard was coordinating the rescue and saw no issue with landing at Eastney, but acknowledged the challenge of managing public order due to the geography and the unusually swift and widespread public reaction. He noted that the mobilization of emergency services, including police, Border Force, and the RNLI, was effective but hindered by the protesters.

An RNLI spokesperson expressed disappointment with the decision and the communication with their crews, emphasizing their voluntary role in saving lives at sea. The organization is seeking to understand the reasons behind the denial of access.

ABP reiterated its position, stating that its port declined the enquiry because it did not have adequate reception facilities. They clarified that they would have assisted if Southampton had been the closest port for a safety of life at sea issue or if a formal direction had been received from the relevant authority, neither of which applied in this instance.

The leader of Portsmouth City Council, Steve Pitt, indicated that the Home Office faces "serious questions" regarding its planning failures, which he believes contributed to the chaotic situation. The events at Eastney followed a similar demonstration at the Port of Dover the previous day, highlighting growing tensions around migrant arrivals.

This series of events marks a "new thing in the Solent," according to the Langstone Harbour Master, who described the level of public interest and the speed of mobilization as unusual and surprising. The incident underscores the complexities of managing migrant landings and the associated public and logistical challenges.