Update on Thornwick Bay rescue at Flamborough this afternoon involving 4 people struggling in difficult sea conditions.
Bridlington Coastguard have released this statement:
Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked alongside Filey Coastguard Rescue Team and Flamborough RNLI following reports of four people in the water struggling in difficult conditions at Thornwick Bay.
On arrival, the team established that one male had managed to reach the shore, while one person remained in the water and two others had taken shelter inside a cave.
A challenging multi-agency rescue was underway.
Flamborough RNLI successfully rescued the swimmer with assistance from the Coastguard team. With Rescue Helicopter 912 arriving on scene, it was decided that the casualty would be transferred by winch to the aircraft. The helicopter subsequently landed, allowing the casualty to be transferred into the care of Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge was assessing the safest way to reach the two remaining casualties sheltering inside the cave. Due to the overhanging cliffs, an aerial extraction from the cave was not possible. A Coastguard cliff team was deployed, with a technician descending to within five metres of the casualties to assess the situation and help determine the safest rescue option.
With tidal conditions beginning to improve, it was decided that Flamborough RNLI was best placed to extract the remaining two casualties. Both were successfully rescued and transferred to Rescue Helicopter 912.
The helicopter landed, and both casualties were handed over to Yorkshire Ambulance Service for further assessment and care.
Matthew Johnson, HM Coastguard Deputy Station Officer, said:
“It was clear that these casualties were in grave and imminent danger. At one stage, the casualty in the water was seriously struggling in very challenging tidal conditions, and the outcome could easily have been fatal.
“Exploring our coastline is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, but conditions can change in seconds and a fun day out can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
“Always ensure you have a reliable way of calling for help and wear an appropriate buoyancy aid when taking part in activities near or on the water. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.”
A fantastic example of multi-agency teamwork, with Coastguard teams, RNLI volunteers, the rescue helicopter crew and ambulance colleagues working together in challenging conditions to bring all four people to safety.
This incident could have had a very different outcome. We would like to thank everyone involved for their professionalism, teamwork and commitment throughout the rescue.
If you get into difficulty around the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
