Skin diver missing AT 1335 ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 1987, Humber Coastguard informed the station honorary secretary at Fiamborough lifeboat station, that a skin diver was missing off Fiamborough Head.

He agreed to an immediate launch, firing the maroons at 1338. Ten minutes later Flamborough's 37ft Oakley class lifeboat The Will and Fannv Kirbv launched down the slipway and proceeded on service.

The weather was good with occasional rain showers reducing visibility. The wind was north-easterly 3/4, giving a slight sea and there was a low northeasterly swell. It was 31/: hours before high water.

An immediate search was started and at 1400 the diver was sighted on a ledge inside a cave, at the foot of the cliffs, at a point where they are about 200ft high with a slight overhang. The surrounding water is full of rock ledges and scars.

A Wessex helicopter from RAF Leconfield attempted a rescue, but could not in the conditions get close because of the cliffs. Coxswain James Major knew he could not get The Will and Fanny Kirbv close in a powered inflatable inthe area was waved across.

The inflatable, a 14ft Domino 6.

powered by an Evinrude 40hp engine with remote midships control, came alongside with the owner. Mr David James, of Basford, Nottingham aboard.

He agreed to help and Second Coxswain/ Mechanic Leslie Robson and Assistant Mechanic Robin Sunley jumped aboard.

With Robson taking the helm, the inflatable started an approach through the broken, rock-filled water towards the diver at the cliff base. As they got near, a large breaking sea lifted the boat on to a rock ledge and stranded her there. The next sea filled the boat, washing her off and under the cliffs.

The inflatable was then manoeuvred as close as possible in the confused seas, filling twice more before Sunley and Robson jumped over the side and dragged her in closer.

Mr James then jumped over to help hold the boat while Sunley scrambled up to the skin diver, persuading him to leave his refuge and climb into the inflatable. Sunley then held on to the bows as the others climbed aboard and Mr James started the engine. The boat was in gear and set off, carrying Sunley off his feet and seawards, hanging on to the bow painter.

Robson put her out of gear and, as another sea tilled the inflatable, lifted his colleague aboard. The boat was then driven out through the sea to the lifeboat and the survivor and Mr James were put on board.

Robson and Sunley started a search around the shoreline for a second skindiver reported missing, but he was found ashore and they were called back to The Will and Fanny Kirby at 1425.

The lifeboat and inflatable returned to Fiamborough, where the lifeboat was rehoused, refuelled and ready for service at 1500. The casualty was landed on the beach and delivered to the care of the coastguards. He did not need medical treatment, although he was checked over by a waiting ambulance crew.

Following this service a framed letter of thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl.

chairman of the Institution, was presented to Second Coxswain/Mechanic Leslie Robson, Assistant Mechanic Robin Sunley and to Mr David James, in recognition of their resourcefulness and skill in effecting a difficult rescue in dangerous waters..