Rescuer cleared in racism inquiry

A lifeboat crewman has been cleared after a colleague accused him of making racist comments during a rescue.
The man was alleged to have made the remarks during an operation by Broughty Ferry lifeboat volunteers in Dundee.
But the allegations were found to be „not proven“ following an RNLI probe and a police investigation.
The volunteer who made the claim has been removed from his post. One crew member and five fundraising volunteers resigned in protest at the outcome.

An RNLI spokesman said the episode had caused some „tension“ at the station.
‘Not proven’
„We have looked at this matter incredibly closely because we do not tolerate racism in any way,“ he said.
„There was a significant amount of doubt over these claims and in the end the allegation was not proven.“
The man who made the allegation could not continue in his role, the spokesman said, because of the atmosphere which had been created.
He added: „This is one of the busiest stations in the country and you just could not have that sort of tension where there is a fundamental breakdown of trust.
„For him to reassume his position was not possible – we had no choice but to stand him down.“