Swept into sea AN ANGLER SWEPT into the sea north of Filey Brigg was reported to the deputy launching authority of Filey lifeboat station by HM Coastguard at 1222 on Sunday September 25, 1983. Nine minutes later the station's D class inflatable lifeboat was launched from her trailer and set out at full speed; she was manned by Helmsman Malcolm Johnson and Crew Members Colin Haddington and Kenneth J. Rennie.

The day was fine and clear with little wind but moderate waves were breaking on the beach caused by a heavy swell running after previous northerly gales. It was low water.

As the lifeboat rounded the rocks of Filey Brigg the swell increased to a height of 10 to 15 feet. Turning north west to search for the missing angler, the lifeboat crew sighted him lying face down in the water about 800 feet from the shore. Helmsman Johnson headed straight for him and when the lifeboat came close, at 1235, Crew Member Haddington jumped overboard to hold the man clear of the water. The outboard engine was cut and the angler pulled into the inflatable lifeboat. Crew Member Haddington, still in the water, started mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately and continued while Crew Member Rennie made radio contact with an RAF Wessex helicopter which had arrived overhead. The helicopter picked up the unconscious man at 1237 but sadly he was found to be dead on arrival at hospital.By 1258 Crew Member Haddington had been recovered from the water, the outboard engine restarted and the lifeboat was on her way back to base. She arrived on station at 1302 and was rehoused, refuelled and ready for service at 1318.

For this service a letter of appreciation signed by Rear Admiral W. J.

Graham, director of the Institution, was sent to Helmsman Malcolm Johnson and Crew Members Colin Haddington and Kenneth J. Rennie..