‘Here to help those who genuinely need us’ - Bridlington Coastguard rescues woman following hoax call
Emergency services were called out twice on September 26, with one incident later found to have been deliberately staged and another involving a woman who fell on rocks at Thornwick Bay.
Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team was involved in two separate incidents on the Yorkshire coast on September 26, including a major early-morning search after belongings were found on the promenade near the Spa.
Just after 3am, Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team, Filey Coastguard Rescue Team, Bridlington RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and Humberside Police responded to reports of a person believed to be in the water.
Personal belongings had been found on the promenade close to the Spa, prompting emergency services to begin a search.
While the search was underway, Humberside Police carried out enquiries at the scene.
However, a review of CCTV footage established that the individual who reported the incident had deliberately placed the items at the location before contacting the emergency services.
The response was therefore ultimately found to have been unnecessary, with valuable Coastguard, lifeboat and police resources committed to the incident.
A spokesperson for Bridlington Coastguard said: “We will always respond to any report that someone may be in difficulty. Every call is treated seriously because behind every report could be someone who genuinely needs our help.
“However, deliberately creating a false report of an emergency is completely unacceptable. It takes Coastguard, lifeboat and police resources away from where they may be genuinely needed and could potentially delay a response to a real emergency.
“We would urge everyone to think carefully before contacting the emergency services and never deliberately make a false report. Our teams are here to help those who genuinely need us, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Later that morning, Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team was called to Thornwick Bay after reports that a female had fallen on the rocks and sustained a knee injury.
The team quickly reached the casualty, assessed her injuries and prepared her for extraction.
She was carefully carried from the rocks, up a challenging set of steps and along the coastal path before being safely handed over to colleagues from Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
A Bridlington Coastguard spokesperson added: “Walking the coast is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, but the terrain can be uneven, slippery and unpredictable. Accidents can and do happen, so take your time, wear suitable footwear and be aware of your surroundings.
“We’re pleased to know the casualty was able to leave the scene and continue to hospital for further treatment, and everyone at Bridlington Coastguard would like to wish her a very speedy recovery.
“If you see a coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”