Dundee Lord Provost John Letford yesterday said a racism row among the crew of the Broughty Ferry lifeboat was “devastating” for the city.
A long-term supporter of the RNLI, Mr Letford said the dispute was “the last thing” the city needed.
Two of the lifeboat’s crew and five volunteer fundraisers resigned after one crewman allegedly made racist comments.
Scott Huggins, 41, is said to have made racist remarks to lifeboat mechanic and former policeman Bob Jeffrey.
He is alleged to have made a racist remark after the rescue of an Asian woman who had jumped into the River Tay.
Mr Jeffrey was sacked after he complained about the comments and reported them to Tayside Police.
Coxswain Andrew Jeffrey confirmed at the weekend that he had resigned in protest.
Mr Letford said: “It’s very sad something like this should interfere with the institution. It’s the last thing the city or the people involved need. The RNLI stands for something the city is very proud of and it’s devastating it could happen. I’ve worked with them over many years and it’s a much-loved institution in terms of what it does over and above its activities on the river, such as charity work.”
Mr Huggins was charged with a racially aggravated breach of the peace. He appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court in January but the procurator fiscal dropped the case in March.
Mr Jeffrey was suspended after the incident last August and dismissed as volunteer second mechanic and deputy second coxswain in February.
Mr Huggins was cautioned against “inappropriate language” before being promoted to a full-time post.
The RNLI yesterday said the matter had been “investigated fully”.
A spokesman said: “We investigated it immediately we were made aware of it on August 26. We have investigation procedures laid down throughout the RNLI and they were followed to the letter. Over August 27, 28 and 29, interviews took place and while some said they heard the remark, equally, there were half a dozen who said they did not.
“The divisional inspector reviewed the evidence and was unable to substantiate these allegations.
“There was a considerable element of doubt.”
The spokesman added that Mr Jeffrey’s volunteer agreement was ended as, by taking the matter outwith the RNLI, it was felt he had undermined the trust of his colleagues.