Cut off by tide INFORMATION THAT A MAN had been reported cut off by the tide below the cliffs in the vicinity of the Coastguard lookout was passed to the honorary secretary of Whitby lifeboat station at 1630 on Sunday, June 5. The assembly signal was made and at 1639 Whitby D class inflatable ILB launched on service with three crew on board.

The wind was north west moderate to fresh, force 4 to 5, with a moderate sea and heavy swell. The tide was three hours flood.

Helmsman Michael Coates headed, at full speed, to the reported position and the casualty was sighted on the beach immediately below the Coastguard lookout. Heavy swell, estimated at some 7 to 8 feet, was breaking all along the shore at the base of the cliffs, but the ILB was able to approach the shore on the back of a large swell in one of the few areas where the breaking surf was less severe and the anchor was put over. The anchor held, snatching the ILB head to sea, and the inflatable boat was then veered down towards the shore and the casualty.

Crew Member Anthony Easton entered the water to help the stranded man to the boat but experienced great difficulty in the heavy surf. Leaving Crew Member Brian Hodgson to tend the anchor warp, Helmsman Coates made fast the inboard end of this same warp to his lifejacket and waded ashore to help. The heavy surf swept both men off their feet and, together with the casualty, they were carried back on to the rocks.

At this time, about 1650, Brian Hodgson reported that the weight had gone off the anchor warp and the boat was swept bodily towards the beach, on top of the three men. The boat was swept back on to the rocks several times; then, with great difficulty, she was held under control and the anchor warp recovered, apparently parted.

With the casualty aboard, the engine was re-started, after several unsuccessful attempts, and the ILB headed through the surf towards safer water. The engine, however, stalled and although oars were shipped the boat was washed back to the beach.

The honorary secretary was informedof these latest difficulties at 1659 and maroons were fired for the lifeboat at 1700. Whitby's 44' Waveney lifeboat The White Rose of Yorkshire launched and was off the position of the incident at 1706. Unfortunately the rock shelf in this area is very flat and the lifeboat could not close near enough to reach the ILB with her rocket apparatus.

The crew were still able to handle the ILB at this time and, with the tide rising, moved the casualty to higher ground. The Coastguard then started to assemble their own rocket apparatus with the intention of lowering a man down the cliff to try to make contact with The White Rose of Yorkshire from ashore.

At 1729 a helicopter was requested from RAF Leconfield and it was reported as 'scrambling' at 1735. One minute later the ILB crew reported that they were abandoning their boat, owing to the state of the tide and sea.

Coastguard Officer Alan Martin was lowered down the cliff with rocket apparatus and at 1757 he attempted to fire a line. It missed and although it had a floating head the crew of the lifeboat could not find it. A second attempt was thwarted by heavy surf smashing the whip box against the cliff, spilling its contents.

The helicopter arrived on the scene at 1811, when the casualty was lifted to the cliff top within minutes and taken to hospital suffering from exposure. The lifting of the Coastguard and three crew members was completed by 1830; although cold, they had suffered no ill effects.

The White Rose of Yorkshire returned to station, arriving at about 1845, and the ILB was left at the foot of the cliffs to be recovered as soon as possible, when conditions permitted.

For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Helmsman Michael Coates and Crew Members Brian Hodgson and Anthony Easton. A framed letter of thanks signed by Major-General Ralph Farrant, Chairman of the Institution, has been presented to Coastguard Officer Alan Martin and a letter of appreciation, also signed by the Chairman, sent to the Commanding Officer, RAF Leconfield..