Chief Boatman Beck

"An unpleasant and fortunately, unusual, experience befell Chief Boatman Beck, the officer in charge of Robin Hood's Bay Costguard Station, on Monday. He set off on patol duty from the Coastguard Station along the beach, in the direction of Whitby, shortly before noon, but failed to return, as anticipated. The tide would be at about it's lowest as he made his way along the beach, but the route is known to be difficult of transit and much concern was felt at the Coastguard Station for the safety of the chief officer. He had not returned by about eleven o'clock at night, and a search party was sent out to endeavour to find his whereabouts.

They met Mr Beck on his way back to 'Bay, at about midnight. It transpired that he had been cut off by the incoming tide near "the Jetticks," shortly after one o'clock, and finding himself surrounded by the sea, he endeavoured to ascend the cliff, but was unable to do so, the face being to precipitous. He therefore took refuge in a cave or hollow, in the cliff side, until the receding tide permitted his return by way of the beach. Mr. Beck was little worse for his sojourn on the cliff, but suffered considerably from exposure, the night being very cold, and snow falling continually. It is a coincidence thet Mr. Beck's adventure took place at practically the identical spot at which on the following day, as related above, he was engaged in life saving operations"