Family Found Camping Dangerously Close to 280ft Cliff Edge
Coastguard teams from Staithes and Whitby made a chilling discovery after finding a family of two adults and a child camping perilously close to a 280ft cliff drop. The family, unaware of the grave risks, had pitched their tent right on the edge.
Police Called Over Potential COVID-19 Breach
North Yorkshire Police were also called to the scene amid concerns the family might have breached COVID-19 restrictions while camping.
Coastguard Warns of Deadly Cliff Dangers
Adam Turner, Senior Coastal Operations Officer for HM Coastguard, issued a stark warning: “The family were in an extremely perilous position with no idea of the extreme danger they were in. Cliff edges are really unstable and can easily collapse, as recent landslips in the area have shown.”
He urged locals and visitors to stay safe: “If you live near the coast and are out for exercise under current COVID-19 rules, please take care near cliffs. Stick to paths, stay well back from the edge, check the weather and tides before setting out, wear sturdy footwear, and always carry a fully charged phone so you can call 999 for the Coastguard if needed.”
