Search: 22 July 2008. Ref: Staithes 011 20088
Lifeboats Search in Heavy Seas

Staithes lifeboat launched at 8:00pm on Monday night after reports that a person was cut off by the tide beneath the cliffs north of Skinningrove.

The volunteer crew had just completed a weekly training session when a woman reported seeing a person near Huntcliffe who appeared to be cut off by the tide. Skinningrove coastguard team, Redcar lifeboat and the Cleveland police helicopter were also involved in the search.

With a large swell it was difficult for the lifeboats to get close inshore and so the coastguard team walked the fore shore and helicopter assistance was requested. On arrival helicopter ‘India 55’ searched between Saltburn and Skinningrove, both along the top and bottom of the cliffs.

By 9:00pm nothing had been found and the search was called off. It was believed to be a false alarm with good intent.

There was a surprisingly large swell after the recent north westerly winds which meant that it was difficult to get the lifeboats close inshore to get a good view of the base of the cliffs. The helicopter is a great asset, once they’ve searched the area a couple of times you can feel comfortable nothing has been missed.

— Lee Jackson, press officer and a helmsman with Staithes lifeboat.

The lifeboat returned safely to Staithes at 9:10pm.

Above and below: Photos of the Staithes Lifeboat returning to harbour ater the search, taken by a member of the public.

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