RNLI volunteers from Withernsea have detailed the scale of their response to last week’s tragic coastal incident, describing extremely challenging sea conditions as they worked alongside partner agencies over several days.
In a statement, RNLI Withernsea said it responded on Friday, January 2, “following reports of multiple people in difficulty in the water off the Withernsea seafront”.
“The volunteer lifeboat crew received a direct page at 15.12pm and were first on scene, shortly followed by HM Coastguard Withernsea,” the statement said. “RNLI Withernsea volunteers immediately commenced lifesaving and casualty care operations in extremely challenging sea conditions.”
The RNLI said its volunteers were involved in the recovery of the first casualty.
“RNLI Withernsea recovered the first person and provided immediate casualty care alongside HM Coastguard Withernsea and members of the public,” the statement said.
As the incident developed, further reports were received along the seafront.
“During the incident, RNLI Withernsea responded to multiple further reports of people in the water along the seafront to the south while continuing search and rescue operations in severe conditions,” it said.
The statement explained that the station’s lifeboat launched twice during the response.
“The Withernsea RNLI D-class lifeboat Mary Beal launched into approximately 12ft swell on two occasions to conduct shoreline search operations,” the RNLI said. “During the first launch, the lifeboat headed south towards the vicinity of Golden Sands; however, this search was cut short due to the severity of the sea conditions.
“A subsequent launch was later maintained to complete a thorough shoreline search when conditions were continually assessed and deemed safe to do so.”
RNLI Withernsea said it continued to work alongside other emergency services throughout the operation and played a key role in further recoveries.
“RNLI Withernsea continued searching alongside emergency service colleagues and played a vital role in the recovery of the second person,” the statement said.
“Search operations continued into the early hours of Saturday morning before being temporarily stood down.
“RNLI Withernsea returned to service before first light on Saturday to support HM Coastguard Withernsea with renewed search efforts. Volunteers remained engaged throughout the day until the search was formally stood down at approximately 4pm on Saturday.”
On Sunday, attention turned to recovery and review following the prolonged response.
“On Sunday morning, RNLI Withernsea used scheduled exercise time to conduct essential lifeboat maintenance checks following the demanding conditions, and to carry out a full operational debrief,” the statement said.
Reflecting on the wider impact, RNLI Withernsea said the incident had been deeply felt within the community and beyond.
“Over recent years, RNLI Withernsea has experienced moments of loss, love and trauma, and this event has been felt both within our community and further afield,” the statement said. “Through every challenge, our volunteers remain committed to doing everything possible to help keep our community safe.”
The RNLI also issued a renewed reminder about coastal safety.
“Although beautiful, the sea can be a cruel and unforgiving force,” the statement said. “If you see anyone in difficulty near the coast, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
RNLI Withernsea said that its volunteers were “undertaking post-incident welfare processes and recovery following a prolonged and demanding response”, and asked for their privacy to be respected.