The search is continuing for a 13-year-old boy reported to have got into difficulty while swimming in the sea at Hornsea yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the South Promenade area at about 6pm on Tuesday, August 4, and a major multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched.
The HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed-wing plane took part in the search along with Humberside Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, RNLI and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance had also been called, and was on standby in the field just back from South Promenade.
Specialist police search advisers, the force’s Marine Unit and drone pilots were later deployed as part of the extensive operation to find the teenager.
In a statement released after 9pm on Tuesday evening, Chief Superintendent Phil Booker said: “After receiving the report, officers were immediately deployed alongside other emergency services and, upon attending, it was discovered that a 13-year-old boy had reportedly got into difficulty while swimming in the water.
“Our priority is to find the boy and members of the public can expect to see specialist Police Search Advisors, along with our Marine Unit and drone pilots, who have also been deployed to conduct an extensive search and rescue operation to locate him.
“We would urge people to please avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely and refrain from speculating on the circumstances of the incident.”
In a statement following, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “A search is currently being coordinated by HM Coastguard for a missing male, last seen at about 6pm at Hornsea.
“Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea Coastguard rescue teams, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Bridlington RNLI all-weather lifeboat and a coastguard rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have all been involved in the search.”
Hornsea Inshore Rescue released a statement early on Wednesday morning saying they were called at 6.20pm by the Bridlington Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to search for a missing person last seen in the water off Hornsea Leisure centre.
The crew searched all night until the early hours of Wednesday when they were stood down.
The boat recovered for a crew change and refuel at 9pm and continued conducting search patterns as instructed by Humber Coastguard.
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the 13-year-old boy who remains missing off the coast at Hornsea.
“I want to thank HM Coastguard, the RNLI, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Humberside Police and all the emergency services who have worked tirelessly through the night and continue their search today.
“All of us in East Yorkshire are hoping for good news. I would also echo the police’s request for people to avoid speculation and respect the family’s privacy while the search continues.”
Police said that inquiries were continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to speak to officers in Hornsea or call the police non-emergency number on 101 quoting log 415 of August 4.