
Scarborough RNLI in multi-agency rescue of seven people cut off by tide
Seven adults visiting Scarborough were brought to safety on the afternoon of Thursday 23 March 2023 by the crew of Scarborough RNLI lifeboat. They had been cut off by the tide at Cornelian Bay, Scarborough with the tide still rising.
The inshore lifeboat RNLB John Wesley Hillard IV launched at 2:41pm, following a 999 call from the casualties. They had realised they were unable to find a suitable route back onto the coastal path. They called Humber Coastguard and reported themselves cut off.
The high tide on this day was at 5:18pm at 6.33m. At the time of the rescue, the tide was at approximately 4.31m. The weather on the day was partially sunny, with a temperature of 12c and a south-south westerly wind force four.
Scarborough RNLI's helm carried out an assessment of the casualties, confirming that none of the casualties was injured. It was decided the best and safest course of action was to them take two at a time to the slipway south of Holbeck. The Coastguard assisted to get them back onto the shore.
Speaking after the call out, Scarborough RNLI’s Head Launch said: ‘We’ve seen some big spring tides on the Scarborough coast recently. This means that the high water comes in a lot quicker than normal.
'Our RNLI crews and lifeguards respond to hundreds of incidents each year with people cut off by the tide, especially because people out walking can find themselves cut off unexpectedly. Had the alarm not been raised when it was, the casualties may have found themselves in a much more dangerous situation.'
When going for a walk along the coastline or on the beach, the RNLI would like to remind everyone to:
- Always check the tide times and heights and keep a look out for incoming tide.
- Use tide timetables or a tidal prediction app like AnyTide.
- Make sure you have enough time to return safely. If in doubt, seek local advice.
- Always carry a means of calling for help on your person.
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you are in danger or you see someone in danger of being cut off by the tide.
- Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. They can raise the alarm with the Coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.
Find out more: rnli.org/WeatherAndTides
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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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