Tragedy can strike at any time, even in fine weather and close to the shore. Cabin cruiser Last Call capsized immediately after she left Whitby harbour. Despite the best efforts of the lifeboat and RAF helicopter, all the cruiser’s crew members drowned.

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The 7m cabin cruiser Last Call left Whitby harbour entrance at 2.15pm on 23 November 2007. It was a fine, still day, but the crew had no idea that there was a huge swell out at sea. As she left the shelter of the harbour, the Last Call capsized. Two men were thrown overboard and a woman was left hanging onto the now-righted cruiser.

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Immediately, the lifeboat George and Mary Webb launched, under the control of Second Coxswain Nick Botham. Onlookers on the West Pier were shouting and pointing to the two casualties. The lifeboat quickly reached the scene and snatched two men from the breakers. 

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While the lifeboat was attending the men, the RAF helicopter had located the Last Call, which had been washed behind the East Pier. The helicopter crew managed to pick up the woman from the water. Tragically, none of the crew survived.

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A Framed Letter of Thanks was presented to Coxswain Nick Botham and his crew.