Multi‑Agency Response Brings Casualties to Safety at Flamborough

Monday 12th October 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

A complex multi‑agency rescue unfolded at Thornwick Bay on Saturday afternoon after three people were reported struggling in the water in challenging sea conditions.

Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked alongside Filey Coastguard Rescue Team and Flamborough RNLI following reports of multiple casualties cut off by the tide.

Flamborough RNLI’s inshore lifeboat B‑959 Forever Yibba launched at 3.45pm, with HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 912 also dispatched to assist.

On arrival, teams established that one man had managed to reach the shore, while one person remained in the water and two others had taken shelter inside a cave beneath the cliffs.

📸 All photos courtesy of Matthew Johnson – Bridlington Coastguard

The swimmer was rescued by Flamborough RNLI with support from Coastguard teams and winched to the helicopter for urgent medical attention. The aircraft landed nearby, transferring the casualty into the care of Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge assessed the safest way to reach the two remaining casualties inside the cave. Due to the overhanging cliffs, an aerial extraction was not possible. A Coastguard cliff technician descended to within five metres of the casualties to evaluate conditions and coordinate the rescue plan.

As the tide began to ease, Flamborough RNLI manoeuvred the lifeboat into position and successfully recovered both casualties, who were then winched to the helicopter and handed over to ambulance crews for further assessment.

The lifeboat and volunteer crew returned safely to South Landing at 5.30pm, where the vessel and launch tractor were cleaned and refuelled ready for the next callout.

This incident showcased outstanding teamwork between Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI volunteers, helicopter crew and ambulance colleagues — all working together in difficult conditions to bring four people safely to shore.

🌊 If you get into difficulty around the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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