At around 4pm, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of Filey’s inshore lifeboat (ILB), Braund, following a number of reports that a small boat might be in difficulty close to Filey Brig.
The ILB, crewed by Gary Wilson, Tom Barkley and Callum Garton, was soon alongside the boat which turned out to be a small salmon coble swaying heavily at anchor in the gusty south-westerly wind.
In the meantime, just to the south of Filey, an elderly gentleman had fallen down the cliffs. Filey Coast Rescue Team along with Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 912 were dispatched and Filey ILB was sent as soon as the previous service had been closed.
On arrival, it was discovered that 2 girls had assisted the gentleman to the top but that unfortunately one of the girls had become stuck in the mud at the base of the cliff. The ILB managed to land on the beach at high water and, after extracting the girl from the mud, returned her to her parents.
The elderly gentleman was eventually transferred by helicopter to Hull Royal Infirmary.
Berry Robson, Filey Coxswain/Mechanic, said: These were two quite different tasks for the ILB crew. Those who dialled 999 about the boat did the right thing as it was swaying heavily in the wind and it did appear that someone was in it. The 2 girls did a grand job helping the elderly gentleman; it was just bad luck that one of them should get stuck in the mud after her fine efforts.”
Notes to editors
Filey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1804. It currently operates both a Mersey-Class All-Weather Lifeboat and an Inshore Lifeboat. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Filey Lifeboat Facebook page.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
