US Air Force thanks Bridlington Coastguard for sailor rescue

Colonel John T Sullivan – part of the United States European Command – has penned a letter of thanks to Bridlington Coastguard after a sailor and his wife were winched to safety after becoming stuck out at sea earlier this month.

As reported by The Press at the time, coastguard teams from Bridlington and Filey, along with the Flamborough Lifeboat, responded to the incident just before 5pm on July 3 following reports that the paddleboarders were potentially cut off and unable to self-recover near North Landing.

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In a letter published to Facebook, he extended his ‘deepest gratitude’ to Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team for their swift professional and lifesaving actions.

Colonel Sullivan said: “Your rapid response to rescue a United States Navy Sailor assigned to my command, who became stranded while paddleboarding off Flamborough Head, is a testament to the elite training, vigilance, and dedication of HM Coastguard and the RNLI.

“Thanks to the skill and bravery of your rescue crew, our Sailor and his wife were brought to safety.

“We are incredibly fortunate to operate alongside such outstanding host-nation partners. Your dedication to preserving life at sea strengthens the enduring bond between our nations and our services.”

He also shared his sincere appreciation to the specific crew members involved in the rescue.

Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team thanked him for the letter and added that whilst they were grateful, their volunteers simply did what they are trained to do.

A spokesperson said: “Every call-out is a team effort, and our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of those in need.

“Incidents like this highlight the importance of the close working relationships between all emergency services and rescue organisations, and we are proud to play our part in keeping people safe along our coastline.

“Finally, we’d like to recognise the dedication of our volunteers, who leave their families, jobs and daily lives at a moment’s notice to answer the pager, day or night. Their commitment to serving the public continues to make a real difference.”

If you find yourself in trouble at the coast, or see someone else in difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.