Man dies after three people rescued from sea near Filey

Filey RNLI and other emergency services attended the scene yesterday afternoon.

Author: Jon BurkePublished 23rd Jul 2021
Last updated 23rd Jul 2021

Filey’s volunteer RNLI Lifeboat crews, along with Coastguard teams, ambulance crews and North Yorkshire Police, have attended a serious incident, involving swimmers off the Yorkshire coast.

Just before 2pm yesterday, UK Coastguard (Humber) requested the immediate launch of Filey lifeboat following multiple 999 calls that 3 persons were in great difficulties in the sea off Reighton Gap, some 4 miles south of Filey.

As there was already an Atlantic 85 crew at the boathouse preparing to launch on exercise, it was decided to send that boat (relief Atlantic 85 Pride of Fred Olsen) with Neil Cammish, Fraser Haddington, Sarah Scrivener and Rhys Colling as crew.

In view of the nature of the call, the A85 was rapidly launched and with its top speed of over 35 knots, the crew were on scene very quickly.

A crew member entered the water, to assist a man in difficulties whilst the other 2 persons appeared to have made it safely to shore. As the man’s condition was so serious, it was decided to transfer the casualty to Coble Landing Filey at top speed by boat to the waiting paramedics who were attending along with both a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. However, he later died.

In the meantime, Filey’s D Class lifeboat, Braund, with Alex Harrison, Liam Frampton and Katie Pooley as crew, was launched to assist Coastguard teams and paramedics at Reighton with the other 2 casualties both of whom were taken to hospital.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Police were called by the coastguard at about 2.45pm yesterday to a report of people in difficulty in the sea at Reighton. A 55-year-old man was rescued by the RNLI, but sadly later pronounced dead. Two teenagers were taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Filey Lifeboat Press Officer, John Ward, said:

“The lifeboat crews quickly launched the Atlantic 85 lifeboat and were able to take advantage of its top speed to reach the casualties so quickly. It has been a harrowing experience for everyone and we thank all our volunteers who attended as well as the Coastguard teams, Police, paramedics and air crews.”

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