Barely hours into the new year, Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team received their first tasking of 2026.
Shortly after midday, the team were tasked to reports of a young male casualty who had become trapped by the incoming tide below the West Cliff area.
On arrival, it was immediately clear that a full rope rescue setup would be required to reach the casualty, who was positioned approximately 70–80m below.
To ensure a safe and secure operation in this urban environment, the Officer in Charge requested assistance from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (Whitby), making use of their fire appliance as a holdfast when traditional anchor points were not suitable.
Further support was requested from Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 912 from Humberside. With an estimated flight time of around 45 minutes, the decision was made to deploy a cliff technician to reach and secure the casualty without delay.
Despite challenging terrain, and a rising tide line causing a lot of water against the cliffs, the cliff tech successfully reached the casualty and brought them into the safety of the rope rescue system. Working together, fire crews and Coastguard rope teams recovered both casualty and technician back to the top of the cliff.
Cold and wet but otherwise well, the casualty was handed into the care of Yorkshire Ambulance Service for a warm up and further checks.
Accidents happen, and in this instance, the casualty did exactly the right thing by remaining in place and waiting for help. Checking tide times before heading out remains essential for everyone visiting our coastline.
As always, today’s successful outcome was built on teamwork.
They stated:
'Remember, you are never wasting our time, if you see or feel someone is in trouble on our coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
Giantkilling Bridlington Town's Trophy Triumph
BLOWN OFF COURSE: Late Penalty Spoils Boro’s Comeback Hopes
Solar Panels Confirmed For Whitby And Eastfield Public Buildings To Cut Energy Bills
Scarborough HMO Growth Sparks Fresh Tourism Concerns
52 New Homes Approved in Sherburn Despite GP Surgery Capacity Warning
Scarborough Dealer Jailed
Over 500 Homes In Scarborough And Whitby To Receive Energy Efficiency Upgrades
FLOOD WARNINGS Issued For Scarborough's Foreshore Road & Sandside
Severe Winds And Coastal Danger Expected As Storm Boelo Hits This Weekend
Coastal Light Events Cancelled As Storm Boelo Brings Severe Winds
Motorhome Waste Dumping Sparks Coastal Pollution Fears In Scarborough
Flash Flooding Hits Scarborough - Police Say Stay Away From Town Centre
Comments
Add a comment