The RNLI has paid tribute to its volunteers and partner agencies following Friday’s tragic incident at Withernsea’s Pier Towers.
Volunteers from Withernsea RNLI, Bridlington RNLI and Skegness RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard at around 3.30pm on January 2 to assist in the major multi-agency response.
The victims have since been confirmed as 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and her daughter, Grace, 15, along with 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe, who died after entering the water in an attempt to help. The bodies of Sarah and Mark were recovered on Friday evening, while searches are continuing for Grace.
The RNLI said agencies involved in the response included HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, Coastguard rescue teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
In a statement, the RNLI said: “We would like to thank members of the public who assisted and supported the emergency services, and recognise the professionalism, coordination and commitment shown by all agencies during a prolonged and demanding response.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers, who spent many hours at sea in challenging conditions, and all those who supported back at the stations. This is a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families, friends and all those impacted.”