Whitby and Staithes Coastguard Rescue Teams recognised following New Year rescue

On Tuesday, March 18, after a joint training exercise, Whitby and Staithes Coastguard Rescue Teams were honoured to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief Coastguard, recognising a challenging and highly technical rescue carried out on New Year’s Day.

A young male had become stranded in a hazardous location on Whitby West Cliff, requiring a complex rope rescue in difficult terrain.

A spokesperson for Whitby Coastguard said: “Some jobs stay with you, this was one of them.

“With challenging access and the urgency of the situation, it quickly became a well coordinated, multi-agency response, where every decision, movement, and communication played a part in bringing the casualty to safety.

“From the first call, through to the final moments of the rescue, it took clear leadership, calm decision-making, technical rope skills, and seamless teamwork to achieve a safe outcome.

“Every team member played a role, from those coordinating the incident, to the rope technician operating on the cliff face, and those supporting from above on ropes operations, battling against the elements and sea conditions along the cliff, all working together when it mattered most.

“Alongside this, we worked closely with our partner emergency services, a true multi-agency effort, where communication, trust, and shared expertise made all the difference.

“This recognition reflects the strength of the whole team.

“We’re incredibly proud of both teams, and grateful to be part of a community that supports and trusts us.”