Overview
- HM Coastguard received a 10:24am report on February 18 of an adult female stuck in mud at Whitby Harbour and deployed Whitby and Ravenscar Coastguard teams, RNLI Whitby, and North Yorkshire Police.
- North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to assist but was stood down after the casualty was released before crews arrived.
- Rescuers used digging equipment and locally sourced boards to free the woman, then assisted her to the nearby RNLI boathouse to warm up and change into dry clothing.
- Officials said the woman was returned to shore safe and well, and she later thanked crews publicly, saying she was "forever grateful."
- Whitby Coastguard highlighted that, despite not being designated for mud rescues, shared procedures and joint training supported an integrated response, while agencies warned of soft-ground hazards and advised calling 999 for the Coastguard if someone is in trouble.