Yorkshire lifeboatman watches his own boat being stolen from Bridlington Harbour

A lifeboat crew member having a meal at a harbourside restaurant was shocked to see his own boat being taken out to sea.
By Grace Newton
Published 3rd May 2019, 12:46 BST
Updated 3rd May 2019, 12:51 BST
The three friends pursued the sailing coble, right, in the fishing trawler Yorkshire RoseThe three friends pursued the sailing coble, right, in the fishing trawler Yorkshire Rose
The three friends pursued the sailing coble, right, in the fishing trawler Yorkshire Rose

Jordan Harrison was dining with two RNLI colleagues in a cafe-bar when the bizarre incident unfolded at Bridlington Harbour on Thursday night.

He has just sat down for a meal when he saw his 17ft sailing coble being stolen by a lone man.

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Mr Harrison and his two friends boarded a fishing trawler and mounted a pursuit of the pleasure craft, which was some distance away.

They caught up with the rogue sailor but became concerned for his mental state and requested back-up from the lifeboat station.

Bridlington RNLI posted about the incident on their Facebook page:-

"Worried by the response the crew were getting from the man they became concerned for his welfare and alerted the Coastguard. At 7.35pm both lifeboats were paged.

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"The in-shore lifeboat launched, with the all-weather lifeboat on standby. On reaching the two boats, the inshore helm Grant Walkington gathered information from Jordan that they had managed to talk the man into putting a lifejacket on and head back to the harbour.

"Both crews decided to follow from a distance and escort the lone sailor to safety.

"Once safely moored up, the man was met by waiting coastguards and police."