Coastguard releases statement after four bodies found below cliffs in four days
Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team has attended three incidents this week that have seen four people pronounced dead along the North Yorkshire coast.
Between Wednesday (July 30) and Saturday (August 2), four bodies were recovered from below cliffs near Whitby Abbey and Sandsend.
Police have confirmed none of the incidents are connected, and none are being treated as suspicious. Coroner's reports are being prepared for each case.
Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team has issued a statement following a series of incidents that have seen four people lose their lives along the coast in recent days. (Image: WHITBY COASTGUARD)
In the wake of the tragedies, Whitby Coastguard this heartfelt statement: 'As many of our local followers will be aware, over the past few days, Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team has been called to several deeply tragic incidents in our local area.
"Despite the very best efforts of all involved, sadly, not every outcome can be changed. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected — we hope they find strength, comfort, and support in the days ahead.
"We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to our partner agencies who responded alongside us, and to every one of our Coastguard Rescue Officers who attended. These kinds of incidents are never easy, but they highlight the strength, professionalism, and compassion of our volunteers.
"As a team, we support each other through the difficult days as well as the routine ones — and we remain here 24/7, ready to serve our coastline and community with care and commitment.
"Remember, if you see anything that suggests someone may be in trouble at the coast, be it physically or mental health related, please do not hesitate to call 999 and ask for Coastguard. You are never wasting our time or resources, we are here to help.'
On Wednesday evening, a man and a woman were found on the rocks beneath Whitby Abbey after a 999 call at 7.16pm. Both were confirmed dead at the scene.
Less than 24 hours later, at 12.53pm on Thursday, the body of a woman in her 60s was discovered below the same cliffs. Emergency services, including mountain rescue and lifeboat crews, recovered her body during high tide. Her death is also being treated as non-suspicious. Her family has been informed.
On Saturday morning, a fourth body - a woman in her 50s from the local area - was found beneath the cliffs at Sandsend. She was recovered by emergency teams just before 1pm. Her death, like the others, is not being treated as suspicious.
READ MORE:
Woman's body found below cliffs in fourth tragic death in area in just four days
Woman 'dies in fall' near Abbey after two others found in same spot day before
Man and woman found dead at bottom of cliff at Whitby Abbey
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses in all four incidents.
Anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference numbers: 12250141734 (July, 30 incident), 12250142097 (July, 31 incident) and 12250143585 (August, 2 incident)
Whitby Coastguard is urging the public to stay vigilant and reach out for help if they suspect someone is in danger.
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