Scarborough RNLI Rescues Injured Angler from Rocks at Holbeck
Scarborough RNLI’s volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard on Wednesday evening to assist in the extraction of an injured angler stranded on rocks at Holbeck, south of Scarborough.
The Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) John Wesley Hillard IV was paged at 19:05 on 15 October 2025 following a request from HM Coastguard, who had assessed and stabilized the casualty’s leg injury. Due to the challenging terrain and limited access by land, a sea-based evacuation was deemed the safest option to minimise further risk.
The lifeboat launched shortly after low tide as the flood tide began. Weather conditions were relatively favourable, with a clear sky and fair sea state, though a moderate inshore swell added complexity to the operation.
The casualty was safely transferred to Scarborough Lifeboat Station, where ambulance personnel conducted an initial assessment. A family member then transported the casualty to Scarborough Hospital for further medical evaluation.
Commenting on the rescue, Scarborough RNLI Helm Lee Marton said:
“We launched swiftly with a crew of four. HM Coastguard had done an excellent job stabilising the casualty — we just needed to get them home. Conditions were challenging, but teamwork and training made all the difference.”
RNLI Advice – ‘Angling is a popular way to enjoy the coastline, but it’s essential to be properly prepared. Between 2019 and 2024, 41 anglers lost their lives while fishing around the UK coast*.’
Expert analysis suggests that many of these fatalities might have been prevented had lifejackets been worn.
For guidance on staying safe while angling, visit: RNLI Angling Safety
ENDS
Notes to editors
Scarborough lifeboat station has been operating since 1801. The crews have received 35 awards for gallantry and today the station operates a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and a D class inshore lifeboat
To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station
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Nick Gough RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07939025881 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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