Withernsea RNLI involved in multi agency rescue to free woman trapped in rocks
Withernsea’s volunteers assisted Firemen and Coastguards on Saturday night to extract a woman who became trapped in rocks on Withernsea beach at high tide.
When the lifeboat arrived on scene, two volunteer RNLI crew climbed onto the rocks to waiting Firemen who were with the woman, who was sat on the rocks unable to move.
Following discussions on how to best rescue the injured woman from the rocks, it was decided the safest way was over the promenade wall. Despite the lifeboat being on scene, sea conditions at the base of the rocks were rough and added extra danger to the woman and rescue crews.
The woman was lifted over the promenade wall to safety with the assistance of the two lifeboat crew, firemen and coastguard and then handed over to waiting ambulance crews. The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station just before 9.30pm.
Volunteer RNLI helmsman, Matthew Woodhouse, said: ‘We’re all very pleased that the lady is OK. She was very lucky that one of our crew was walking his dog at the time and noticed her disappear into the rocks. He and his son did well to raise the alarm and assist the lady, were all very proud of them both.
‘Once the boat arrived, we assisted the Fire Brigade and Coastguard in getting the lady to safety. The professionalism amongst all the rescue crews showed as we worked together in tricky conditions. We know that climbing on rocks can be appealing to some people, but we urge everybody to think of the dangers and don’t put yourselves at risk. Tonight could have had a very different outcome.’
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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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.