Busy Sunday for Whitby RNLI with two lifeboat launches in two hours.
Whitby RNLI's inshore lifeboat was launched to rescue three people cut off by the tide at Robin Hood's Bay on Sunday 9 April. Not long after returning to harbour both the inshore boat and the all-weather lifeboat were launched to a report of 55 people also cut off at Robin Hood's Bay.
The first call out came at 2pm when three people stranded on rocks alerted the coastguard that they were in difficulty. The inshore lifeboat was launched and promptly returned the three people to safety, dropping them off at Robin Hood's Bay.
Two hours later a member of the public called the coastguard reporting 55 people were trapped on the beach near Stoupe Beck. The volunteer crew launched both the inshore lifeboat as well as the all-weather lifeboat
George and Mary Webb. On arrival at the scene they found that although the call was made with good intent, the people could in fact make their own way to safety. Both boats were stood down.
Coxwain Mike Russell said: 'It was a busy afternoon for our volunteer crew, with two launches in two hours. We'd like to remind people that while they are out enjoying the sunshine on the coast, to take a minute to check the tide times, as it could save their lives'
Regarding the second call out Mike said 'We are a charity that is here to save lives at sea so we will always investigate any report of people in danger, anyone who sees someone in trouble can alert the coastguard by calling 999. In this instance we were pleased to find that the people were safe.'
Notes to Editors:
For more information contact Whitby Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.