Rescue: 17th August 2008, Ref: Staithes 014 2008
Family and Motorboat Rescued

Staithes RNLI lifeboat launched to Runswick Bay at 9:40am on Sunday morning to give medical help to the skipper of a motor boat who was suffering from the first stages of hypothermia.

The man had entered the water, wearing a wetsuit, to try and free a rope that had fouled the 30 foot boat’s propeller. After some time the skipper got back in the boat but his wife and daughter were concerned that he was suffering the effects of the cold. Unable to handle the boat herself the lady quickly called the coastguard for help.

Staithes lifeboat and the Whitby all-weather lifeboat were launched with local doctor and crewman, Graham Croft, on the Staithes boat. Once on scene the doctor began treating the man for hypothermia and all of the family were transferred to the warmth of Whitby lifeboat.

While the all-weather lifeboat rushed the family to a waiting ambulance in Whitby the Staithes lifeboat took the motor cruiser in tow to Whitby.

This was a good, quick rescue with great teamwork between lifeboat crews. It’s a stark reminder of how cold the sea is even in August. Even wearing a wetsuit didn’t stop the onset of hypothermia. We would advise people to call for help if their propeller is fouled and not to enter the water

—Colin Harrison, Helmsman of Staithes lifeboat

Staithes lifeboat returned safely to Staithes at 12:45pm.

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