Donate now

Swift response by Staithes RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

A swift response by Staithes and Runswick RNLI yesterday evening (Monday 14 May) ensured the safety of two kayakers who had been reported missing by a member of the public.

Lifeboat heading out of harbour

RNLI/Grant McKee

Staithes and Runswick RNLI's inshore lifeboat leaving harbour yesterday (Monday)
The alarm was raised after a walker near Hummersea, between Staithes and Skinningrove, noticed that two kayakers were no longer on their craft and could not be seen.

Staithes RNLI inshore lifeboat Sheila & Dennis Tongue III was quickly on the scene and established that the kayakers were not missing but wreck diving. Their kayaks were flying the appropriate diving flags and the crew stood off until the two divers surfaced and were in no difficulties.

A spokesman for Staithes RNLI said it was a false alarm with good intent: ‘It was understandable that the walker was concerned. It’s always a good idea for divers to let the Coastguard know their plans before setting off.'

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

Categories