The RNLI has been accused of “institutional racism” in the latest twist to a row among the crew of the Broughty Ferry lifeboat.
Former lifeboat coxswain Andrew Jeffrey confirmed yesterday that a complaint against the charity has been lodged with the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
He also said a separate complaint has been lodged with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator by five volunteer fundraisers, who resigned in protest at the row.
The complaints accuse the charity of “institutional racism, malpractice and cynically attempting to offload the responsibility for their own incompetence on to a defenceless volunteer".
The dispute erupted after crewman Scott Huggins allegedly made racist remarks to lifeboat mechanic and former policeman Bob Jeffrey last August.
Mr Huggins is alleged to have said the crew “should have thrown it back" after the rescue of an Asian woman who jumped into the River Tay.
Mr Jeffrey was sacked after he complained about the comments and reported the matter to Tayside Police.
Volunteer mechanic Mr Huggins was cautioned by the RNLI against using “inappropriate language” before being promoted into a paid full-time post.
He was charged with a racially aggravated breach of the peace and appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court in January. The procurator fiscal dropped the case in March. The RNLI said the matter was “investigated fully” and the allegations could not be substantiated due to a “considerable element of doubt”.
Yesterday, Andrew Jeffrey said it was felt the RNLI’s handling of the case should be investigated further.
He maintained: “A gross injustice has been done. The RNLI would appear to have condoned racism and it should be investigated by a third party.
“I contend that Bob’s human rights have been violated and the RNLI hasn’t dealt with a serious allegation of misconduct.
“There are four witnesses who gave statements to the police saying they heard the remarks. In my view that’s enough to warrant a proper investigation by somebody.”
An RNLI spokeswoman said the organisation is “saddened” to hear Mr Jeffrey’s allegations against the charity he served.
She said: “The allegation against Scott Huggins has been fully investigated by the appropriate authorities and their conclusion should be respected and the issue laid to rest.
“There is no place for racism or for intolerance in the RNLI. The lifeboat crew at Broughty Ferry should be left to get on with what they do best – saving lives at sea.”
A spokesman for the Equality and Human Rights Commission confirmed a complaint had been lodged.
He said: “As with all complaints made to the commission we will consider the complaint and respond in due course.”