A body has been recovered from the sea following an extensive overnight search for a 13-year-old boy who got into difficulty while swimming at Hornsea.
Emergency services were called to the South Promenade shortly after 6pm on Tuesday, August 4, amid concerns for the safety of the teenager.
A major multi-agency search continued throughout the evening and into the early hours of Wednesday before a body was recovered from the water at about 4.30am.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but police said the body was believed to be that of the missing boy. His family have been informed and are being supported by officers.
Chief Superintendent Phil Booker said: “This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this devastating time.
“Emergency services were called to the South Promenade in Hornsea shortly after 6pm yesterday following report of a concern for safety involving a 13-year-old boy who had got into difficulty whilst swimming in the water.
“An extensive search operation was launched involving specialist Humberside search officers including our Marine Unit and drone pilots, alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
“Tragically, at around 4.30am this morning, Wednesday, August 5, a body was recovered from the water.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.
“We know the sadness and concern this will cause in the community and we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.
“I would like to thank all of the emergency services involved in the search, along with members of the public for their support and co-operation.”
The search involved Humberside Police officers, the force’s Marine Unit and drone pilots, HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
In a statement this morning, Hornsea Inshore Rescue said its crew were tasked for the whole search operation from just after 6pm yesterday evening.
CEO Sue Hickson-Marsay said: “We were called at 6.20pm by MRCC Bridlington to search for a missing person last seen in the water off Hornsea Leisure Centre, along with other emergency assets.
“The crew searched all night until the early hours this morning when they were stood down.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young boy who has tragically lost his life in this terrible tragedy.”
Hornsea mayor Cllr Stephen Prescott and deputy mayor Cllr Nick Cox said they had heard of the outcome with “great sadness”.
In a joint statement, they said: “Our heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and loved ones of the teenage boy at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating loss.
“We would also like to express our sincere thanks to all the emergency services involved, including Hornsea Inshore Rescue, HM Coastguard, Humberside Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and all the other people involved, for their tireless efforts and professionalism throughout the response.”
Bridlington and the Wolds MP Charlie Dewhirst said: “I am deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news that a body has been found following the search for the missing young boy off the coast of Hornsea. My thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family and friends.
“I would like to pay tribute to the local RNLI, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Coastguard and other emergency services, volunteers, and members of our local community who worked tirelessly in the rescue effort. Their dedication and compassion during this difficult time has been truly remarkable.
“I respectfully ask that everyone allows the family privacy and I urge people to avoid speculation in order to allow the relevant authorities to continue their investigation.”
Withernsea mayor Cllr Kristina Richardson also expressed her community’s support for the people of Hornsea.
Withernsea suffered its own tragedy earlier this year when three people died after entering the sea in January.
Cllr Richardson said: “At this incredibly difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with the young boy’s family and friends.
“Having experienced our own tragedy in Withernsea earlier this year, our community understands only too well the heartache and uncertainty that moments like these bring and we stand alongside the people of Hornsea in support and solidarity.
“Once again, our outstanding emergency services and volunteer responders have worked tirelessly, demonstrating immense professionalism, courage and compassion in the most challenging of circumstances. They have the heartfelt thanks and gratitude of us all.
“The conversations that Mayor Stephen Prescott and I have been having about strengthening co-operation between our communities carry even greater significance in light of recent events.
“Together, we remain committed to sharing learning and working collaboratively for the benefit of all those who live in, work in and visit our coastline.
“For now, however, our focus is simply on the young boy, his loved ones and everyone affected.
“On behalf of the people of Withernsea, I want the people of Hornsea and wider communities to know that they are in our thoughts and that we stand with them.”