TEENAGER RESCUED FROM CLIFF AT SEWERBY

Press release: 140-11                                                        21 May 2011

At 8pm Humber Coastguard were alerted to the plight of a teenager who had descended dangerously insecure 100 feet high cliffs at Sewerby and become stuck 40 feet above the beach.  His companions on the beach initially called the Police for assistance, as the tide began to fill to the base of the cliffs. 

Humber Coastguard tasked the Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team and a helicopter from RAF Leconfield to attend.  The RNLI Flamborough Head inshore lifeboat was also requested and they arrived first on scene to locate the stricken teenager.  The RAF helicopter winched the 14 year old male to safety and delivered him into the safe hands of the Coastguard Rescue Team, who reunited him with family members.

Humber Coastguard Watch Manager, Drew Mahood, said:

We understand that the teenager had descended the cliff as part of a dare on his birthday, but became stuck when the gravity of his situation struck home. 

Climbing on cliffs at any time is an extremely dangerous activity, but the eroding coastline in this vicinity is particularly hazardous.

This scenario had a happy ending but we are not always so lucky.  Hopefully, a lesson has been learned by this individual and his companions. 

Our coastline needs to be treated with respect.

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