On 20 February 1993, two 6-meter rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) were returning to Whitby. As they approached the harbour, one of them capsized, throwing its two crew members into the water. The other RIB managed to rescue one of the men, but then had to return to the harbour because of the powerful waves.

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Whitby’s all-weather lifeboat the City of Sheffield immediately launched, followed by the smaller D-class inshore lifeboat. When they reached the area of shallows known as Whitby Rocks, the crew spotted the second man in the water.

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With only 1 meter of water under the City of Sheffield, Coxswain Pete Thomson realized his crew couldn’t get close enough to rescue the casualty. Instead, the D-class Helmsman John Pearson took the inshore lifeboat into the surf. Despite the pounding waves, the crew managed to haul the man safely aboard.

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As the D-class headed back to sea, she was in great danger, being tossed into the air by 3.6-meter waves. Pearson managed to steer the boat to safety, then transfer the rescued survivor to the City of Sheffield.‍

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For his bravery and seamanship in this difficult rescue, the RNLI awarded a Bronze Medal to Helmsman John Pearson.