OTD 1910 the SS Hemiston went aground at North Cheek at Robin Hoods Bay in Fog. The RHB lifeboat, RNLB Mary Ann Lockwood was launched at 7.20am and picked some of the crew who were found in the ship's lifeboats. The Lifeboat stood by the vessel overnight until stood down at 5am

OTD 1953 the SS Sabac ran aground in fog at Kettleness Point at 1.55pm. The Runswick Lifeboat RNLB 'Robert Patton The Always Ready' was launched and stood by the vessel until the vessel refloated on the incoming tide. Pictured is the Sabac with the Runswick lifeboat alongside.

OTD 1905 the SS Cogent of Sunderland ran on to Whitby Rock in fog. Whitby's No 1 Lifeboat RNLB Robert & Mary Ellis & No 2 boat RNLB John Fielden were launched to the aid of the Cogent. The Lifeboats ran out the vessels anchors enabling the vessel to refloat on the incoming tide

OTD 1975 the 'RNLB White Rose of Yorkshire' was named by the Duchess of Kent. The Waveney Class Lifeboat was stationed at Whitby from 1974 to 1988 and was launched 239 times saving 51 lives. The boat was a gift to the RNLI and Whitby from Miss Gwyneath Milburn of Harrogate.

OTD 1902 the SS Ben Corlic went ashore on Upgang beach, of the crew, 13 made their own way ashore in the steamer's boats, 5 were rescued by the Upgang Lifeboat, the RNLB William Riley and two crew were drowned. The ship proved a visitor attraction and was refloated in Sept 1902

OTD 1919 Whitby's first motor lifeboat, the RNLB Margaret Harker-Smith arrived in Whitby. The Margaret Harker-Smith served until 1938, being launched 117 times and saving 86 lives

OTD 1953 Whitby's No 2 Lifeboat the RNLB Robert & Ellen Robson escorted five Fishing Cobles into the harbour as the Motor lifeboat had been left in Scarborough harbour after a Service the day before. This was the last occasion a Rowing Lifeboat was used in a Service by the RNLI.

OTD 1977 Whitby's D Class ILB 193 was tasted to a man cut off under Whitby's East Cliff. During the service the ILB's engine failed and the boat was damaged. The ILB crew of three and the causality were safely rescued by RAF Search & Rescue Helicopter.

OTD 2023 Whitby's 'New' Lifeboat arrived in the Port, It barely seems 2 years since RNLB Lois-Ivan arrived but she seems a normal sight in the harbour now, the boat is a Launch a Memory Lifeboat and carries 10000 peoples names its hull decals, a lovely way to remember a loved one

OTD 1996 the Duchess of Kent dedicated Whitby's then new Lifeboat the RNLB George & Mary Webb took place. The boat served at Whitby until 2023 when she was replaced by Lois Ivan, she was then transferred to the RNLI's Training & Reserve Fleet.

OTD 1930 the SS Aberdonian, intending to tie up at Skinningrove Jetty, overshot and grounded on Cowbar Nab in fog; she was refloated at high tide five days later. The Aberdonian was used as a Hospital Ship in WW1 similar to the HMHS Rohilla evacuating wounded soldiers from France

OTD 1919, Whitby's first motor lifeboat, the RNLB Margaret Harker-Smith was dedicated at Whitby. The Margaret Harker-Smith which was stationed at Whitby from 1919 to 1938 during which time she was launched a total of 117 times saving 86 lives.

OTD 1941 Whitby's Lifeboat the RNLB Mary Ann Hepworth was launched to assist the Minesweeper HMS Lord Darling which was ashore under North Cheek at Robin Hoods Bay. After a difficult rescue in the surf the Lifeboat successfully took the crew of 21 off the stricken vessel.

Yorkshire Day - Happy Yorkshire Day to all our residents and visitors. We are extremely lucky to live in 'Gods in own County' and have such a wonderful town which is loved by its residents and visitors alike. How… whitbytowncouncil.gov.uk/news/2025/08/y…

OTD 1937, the MFV Penton was wrecked at Kettleness. She was being under tow by tug to the Tees but when the tow rope broke off Skinningove and came ashore at Kettleness. The wreck became known locally as the Ghost Ship as she was wrecked with no one on board!

OTD 1915 the SS Skane ran on to Whitby Rock. The vessel was refloated but as the weather deteriorated the crew of 20 including two ladies were rescued by the Reserve Lifeboat, RNLB Forester. The vessel was driven ashore on the West Cliff Beach and was lost under the Spa Theatre.

OTD 1906 the Newcastle Collier SS Isle of Iona ran on to Whitby Rock, the RNLB John Fielden was launched under the command of Coxswain Thomas Langlands saving the six crew of the vessel. As the weather deteriorated the ship became a total loss.

OTD 1957, the SS Thrift of Aberdeen with a crew of 10 was reported to be ashore at Ness Point at Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby's Lifeboat RNLB Mary Ann Hepworth was launched to assist the vessel. The Lifeboat stood by the vessel until the arrival of a tug to recover the vessel.

OTD 1930 Whitby's No 1 Lifeboat RNLB Margaret Harker-Smith under the command of Coxswain Thomas MacGarry Kelly rescued 18 sailors from the 'SS Lucy of Helsingborg' which had run aground at Sandsend Ness. The boilers of the wreck of the Lucy are still visible today at low water.

OTD 1770 the founder of the RNLI Sir William Hillary was born in Yorkshire. In 1824 he formed the National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck which became later became the RNLI Over the years the organisation he founded has saved countless lives