Staithes RNLI in cliff drama

But after Staithes RNLI volunteers had spent an hour searching the foreshore below the cliff, the call came through that the 15-year old boy had returned safely to the family’s holiday cottage in Staithes.

Mother and son had become separated on a new cliff edge section of the Cleveland Way which is unfenced and has sheer 200 feet drops.

Staithes and Runswick RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Sheila & Dennis Tongue III began the search in windy conditions and a crew member swam ashore to scramble along the rocks between Penny Nab and Old Nab to continue the search.

‘It was quite a tricky operation as it was windy and high tide', said Staithes Deputy Launch Authority Sean Baxter. ‘We’re delighted that it was a happy outcome but a reminder that these cliffs are dangerous and everyone needs to be careful.'

RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact Grant McKee, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07801 257614.

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.