Rescue: 6th January 2008, Ref: Staithes 001 2008
Family Cut Off By Tide
Staithes & Runswick RNLI lifeboat launched at 12:15pm on Sunday afternoon after a man reported that his family were cut off by the tide about half a mile south of Staithes.
The volunteer crew were refuelling and cleaning the lifeboat after finishing their regular Sunday morning exercise when a man ran to them informing them that his wife, two children (13 and 10) and dog were stranded at the base of cliffs, to the south of Staithes, with the rising tide.
The family had set off walking from Port Mulgrave to Staithes when they realised that the tide was in too far for them to carry on or turn back. The man made sure his family were sat a few feet higher than the high water mark and then made his way to Staithes, sometimes with water up to his thighs.
The lifeboat was quickly launched and the Coastguard informed of the situation. When the lifeboat arrived at the scene the helmsman decided that the family could be recovered to the boat without further assistance. The family, including the dog, were landed safe and well at Staithes at 12:45pm.
It was fortunate that the man was able to make his way to Staithes and raise the alarm. The weather was fine during the incident but once wet you can soon feel the cold. It was a quick launch as all the crew were cleaning the boat after the exercise.
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14th June 2008
