The search for one remaining missing person off the coast at Withernsea has been stood down after a second day of operations, amid a major incident that has already claimed two lives.
At 4pm on Saturday, January 3, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “After resuming shoreline searches in Withernsea for one missing person today, 3 January, HM Coastguard stood down its extensive search effort this afternoon.”
Heavy snowfall and poor weather conditions had affected the resumption of search efforts early on Saturday morning.
Driving snow swept across the promenade, with an estimated 1-2in settling in a short period, reducing visibility and making access difficult.
An update from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at 9.30am confirmed that searches had resumed.
A spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard searches in the Withernsea area have resumed this morning, January 3.
“Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hull, Withernsea, Hornsea and Bridlington, alongside police, were sent to the scene at around 6.30am to search for one missing person. Searches remain ongoing.”
Withernsea Methodist Church, in Hull Road, opened on Saturday between 10am and noon for anyone wishing to come together in support of those affected.
Coastguard and fire service personnel were later seen scouring the rocks along the seafront. However, access to the beach was limited by snow and the incoming tide.
Some people came to lay flowers at the entrance to the Pier Towers, near where the tragedy unfolded on Friday.
The search had been stood down overnight at around 12.30am before resuming at first light.
Two people were confirmed dead on Friday following reports of a number of people in difficulties in the water earlier in the afternoon.
Police were first called to the central promenade area at around 3.15pm on Friday following reports of concern for the safety of people in the sea. A major multi-agency response was quickly deployed.
Humberside Police confirmed that during the initial searches an unconscious man had been recovered from the water. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man, aged 67, was pronounced dead a short time later at the scene.
Later on Friday evening, police confirmed that a second body had also been recovered from the sea.
After the alarm was raised, dozens of emergency vehicles descended on the town, with resources from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard and local rescue organisations all deployed. The seafront and surrounding streets were cordoned off as the operation continued.
A coastguard helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft searched offshore into the evening, with operations continuing after dark. A second coastguard helicopter later arrived from Wales to take over the aerial search.
At around 9pm, ambulances were seen near the commercial slipway, while the helicopter continued to fly low over the area. The fixed-wing aircraft continued to search the area until after midnight.
Withernsea RNLI crew entered the water in the D-class lifeboat at around 6pm on Friday, but they were forced back by the huge waves.
Hornsea Inshore Rescue earlier confirmed that conditions were too severe for a launch, with 3m-high waves crashing on to the slipway, although its 4×4 vehicle and volunteers were present to support the wider response.
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said on social media: “Terrible news in Withernsea. Please let emergency services do what they do best. Thoughts are with everybody at this difficult time.”
South East Holderness councillor Lyn Healing said residents had rallied to support emergency services, offering hot drinks, food and facilities, with the Meridian Centre opened to provide warmth and refreshments for crews from across the region.
Councillor Jon Dimberline described the scene as “shocking” and said the promenade had been kept sterile to allow emergency services to work safely.
Local photographer Darrin Stevens, whose Queen Street balcony overlooks the promenade, said: “Watching what was unfolding was quite remarkable. Seeing all the emergency services working together showed just how serious the situation was.”
Terri and Jack, from Withernsea, who were on the prom on Saturday, said: “You can take precautions, but some things are just beyond control. Yesterday was really bad – only January 2 and such a tragedy has struck. It’s absolutely horrible.
“Thinking about it doesn’t really feel real. Accidents like this happen so suddenly, and it’s devastating. You always hope for the best, that the missing will be found, but even with all the rescue services and the efforts of those searching, nature has its own course. The teams have done everything they can, and we can only hope for answers, but at the end of the day, it’s tragic.
“It’s so sad. You don’t expect something like this to happen, and yet it can rip apart one family so suddenly. I’m grateful for the rescue teams who were there, responding as quickly as possible.”
Rev Philip West said: “I heard about it last night, said a prayer, and then the Methodist church offered time for others to pray as well.
“My wife and I came this morning, and as we’ve learned more, it sounds appallingly tragic – just a dreadful accident. My heart goes out to the family and to those still searching. We continue to pray for them.”
