Friday 29th May 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
A dramatic rescue took place at Flamborough’s Pigeon Hole this afternoon (29th May) after a person became stranded halfway down the cliffs while trying to retrieve a bag that had fallen over the edge.
Bridlington and Filey Coastguard Rescue Teams were called just after the alarm was raised, with reports of someone stuck on the cliff face. When crews arrived, they found a local person who had climbed down in an attempt to recover the lost bag but quickly became trapped on a narrow ledge above the sea, unable to climb back to safety.
After assessing the situation, the Officer in Charge ruled that the position was far too hazardous for a rope rescue. An urgent request was made for the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.
All photos courtesy of Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team
Coastguard teams maintained constant reassurance and communication with the casualty as they waited on the exposed ledge. Moments later, the helicopter arrived overhead and carried out a precise winch operation, lifting the casualty safely from the cliff before landing nearby at a site prepared by rescue teams.
Despite the frightening ordeal, the casualty was uninjured — though understandably shaken and embarrassed.
The Coastguard is reminding the public that even familiar cliffs can be extremely dangerous, and attempting to climb down can put both your life and the lives of rescuers at risk. Anyone who sees someone in difficulty along the coast should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.