Three shouts in 24 hours for Whitby RNLI.

The crew were paged at 10.41pm after three people attempting to walk from Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby via the beach reported they had become trapped by the incoming tide.

Both lifeboats were immediately launched and headed towards Hawsker Bottoms where the three had climbed onto rocks to escape the water. The local coastguard team were also conducting a search from the cliff tops.

The three people were quickly located and the quickest way to get them to safety was to transport them via the inshore lifeboat to Whitby Lifeboat Station. The casualties were returned safe and well and were given some safety advice before leaving the station.

Earlier that afternoon both boats were launched after a small pleasure boat suffered engine failure near Saltwick.

On arrival it was discovered that the vessel was small enough to be towed in by the smaller inshore lifeboat and the three crew on board performed a tow back to harbour. Once again advice was given by the coastguard and RNLI on how these types of incidents can be prevented.

This morning at 8.14am (Monday 31 July) the crew were requested to launch for a third time after reports came in of a woman in the water near Whitby Pavilion.

The inshore lifeboat was promptly launched before being stood down after police confirmed they had the casualty who was to be transferred to an ambulance.

Coxswain Howard Fields said: 'The variation of these call outs in a short 24 hour period show just how easy it is for things to go wrong along the coast. Thankfully there was a happy ending to each of these rescues on this occasion.

'Some of these types of incidents can be avoided by preparing for your visit to the beach. Check the tide times, keep an eye on the time, plan your route and make sure you have the correct equipment.

'If you do get in trouble in or near the water, or see somebody else in difficulty please call 999 immediately.'

For more information contact 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.

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