Fossil collector rescued after becoming trapped by landslide

Fishermen dig injured man out of mud before he is airlifted to safety

Rescuers prepare to airlift the injured fossil collector to safety (Staithes Coastguard)

A fossil collector was buried up to his waist in mud after a landslide on the North Yorkshire coast.

The injured man was trapped in the debris until fishermen came to his rescue near the cliffs at Port Mulgrave on Saturday night

He was airlifted to safety within an hour following an joint operation by the local coastguard, ambulance, police and fire services.

Following the rescue, Staithes Coastguard warned the public not to put themselves at risk in the area.

“Conditions were extremely challenging and sections of this coastline are prone to land slips due to the current weather,” the service said in a statement.

“Thankfully this was a successful rescue, but please do not risk injuries or worse for the sake of collecting fossils.”

The fossil collector is now being treated at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough.

Staithes Coastguard said they were alerted at 8.13pm that “the casualty had been buried up to his waist and trapped by mud and debris".

They said: “When the team arrived to the casualty, they had been dug from the mud by fishermen and moved to a place of safety.

“Due to weather conditions, extremely challenging terrain, and extent of the casualties injuries, we requested further assistance from Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 912 from Humberside.

“Coastguard team members worked with Paramedics from Yorkshire Ambulance Service to stabilise the casualty, assess injuries and provide pain relief.

“The casualty was kept warm and as comfortable as possible prior to the arrival of the helicopter.”

The coastguard thanked the fishermen for raising the alarm and assisting with the rescue.

Ryan Douglas, senior maritime operations officer with HM Coastguard, said: “We’re all too aware of just how dangerous the coastline can be.

“Remember to always keep a distance of at least the height of the cliff away.

“We wish this man all the best for a speedy recovery.”

Additional reporting by PA