Scarborough's RNLI inshore lifeboat called out for two separate rescues

At about 8.45pm, Scarborough RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was asked to help when a member of crew on a fishing boat fell ill, 7.4 nautical miles north-east of Ravenscar.

The coastguards’ helicopter dropped a paramedic onto the boat to help the casualty, who needed hospital treatment.

As the nearest hospital was in Scarborough, the 17m, 30-ton scalloper sailed south and was escorted by Whitby lifeboat as far as Hayburn Wyke.

Scarborough’s inshore lifeboat launched to provide cover in case the fishing boat couldn’t enter the harbour, as the tide was out, but there was enough water and the fishing boat could safely land the casualty. If the vessel had been unable to enter the harbour, the casualty would have been transferred to the lifeboat.

The second shout came at about 2am when the all-weather Shannon lifeboat launched to help look for a yacht, which had broadcast a weak and broken mayday call somewhere to the north.

It was another joint operation involving Whitby lifeboat and the coastguards’ helicopter, which eventually found the yacht much further north than expected. Whitby lifeboat was sent to assist and towed the sailing boat into Whitby harbour. Scarborough lifeboat was stood down.

The crew of six, one of whom had been on the earlier shout, finally managed to get to their beds by 5am.

Whitby RNLI coxswain Howard Fields said: "I would like to thank the volunteer crews who worked diligently and throughly on both shouts through the night showing great commitment, thank you also to the Coastguards who showed such determination in locating the stricken vessel. A great example of rescue agencies working together to ensure a happy ending."