Yesterday evening (24 May) Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team were called to assist a fisherman who had sustained a suspected broken ankle at the base of Buckton Cliffs.

Due to the remote and hazardous location, Filey RNLI lifeboats were initially tasked to support the rescue effort. However, after an on-scene assessment, the Coastguard Officer in Charge determined that a helicopter winch extraction was the safest and most effective method to evacuate the casualty.

A HM Coastguard helicopter was swiftly deployed from Humberside Airport and the casualty was winched to safety from the base of the cliff. The helicopter then landed at a secure site nearby, which had been prepared by coastguard personnel on the ground. The fisherman was then transferred to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service for further medical treatment.

Jordan Grebby, Station Officer for Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team, said:
“Today’s incident shows just how vital it is to have the right means of raising the alarm if you find yourself in trouble along the coast.

“The challenging location and seriousness of the injury meant that a helicopter extraction was the safest and most effective option.
“Thanks to the professionalism and teamwork between our coastguard crew, Filey RNLI, and the Humberside SAR helicopter team, we were able to rescue the casualty quickly and safely without further risk.”

If you see someone in trouble along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
