Lucky pilot returns to Withernsea to thank RNLI volunteers who launched to help

Bob, an experienced pilot from Derbyshire, got into difficulty when his plane crashed into the North Sea just outside of Withernsea. After crashing into the water at high tide, Bob managed to climb up the cliffs to safety before seeking help. Along with Coastguard units, including the Coastguard helicopter, Withernsea RNLI volunteers were paged to commence the search after Bob’s EPIRB (personal locator beacon) signal was picked up near to where the plane crashed.
 
Bob spent an hour with the Withernsea lifeboat crew today, explaining: 'It was the most shocking experience of my life. I have a huge number of flying hours under my belt and I hope I never have to experience anything like it again. I have a big respect to all RNLI volunteers, especially those who dropped everything to come and help me.'

Daniel Lythe, one of the Withernsea RNLI volunteer crew who launched to Bob’s aid, explained how it was very scary listening to Bob remember the day’s events. He said:

By telling us the story of what went wrong, it’s amazing that Bob is still here to be able to visit us today. We are all pleased that he is ok especially considering it was a horrible day with an unrelenting North Sea. It was nice for Bob to take the time out to come and visit us, and thank us. As a volunteer, that ‘thank you’ makes everything we do worthwhile.By telling us the story of what went wrong, it’s amazing that Bob is still here to be able to visit us today. We are all pleased that he is ok especially considering it was a horrible day with an unrelenting North Sea. It was nice for Bob to take the time out to come and visit us, and thank us. As a volunteer, that ‘thank you’ makes everything we do worthwhile.'

Photos
1. Bob Hitchcock with Withernsea RNLI crewmen Luke Newton and Daniel Lythe who were part of the crew that launched, and Deputy Launch Authority John Hartland. Credit RNLI/Withernsea
2. Bob Hitchcock looking out to the site of his crash from the crew room at Withernsea Lifeboat Station. Credit RNLI/Withernsea

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