by John Prince
As part of the multi-agency operation over the weekend, which saw dozens of emergency service workers and volunteers taking part in the search, Hornsea Inshore Rescue was able to provide assistance from further up the coast.
Initially hampered by high waves, which meant the boat couldn’t launch from the slipway, they were able to send a crew by road to Withernsea mid-afternoon. Later on Friday evening, they were able to launch the boat into the water and make their way by sea to join the search.
Locals in Hornsea have heaped praise on all the emergency workers who carried out their tireless searches on land and sea, and in the air, under extremely challenging conditions. People living in and around the town also spoke of their sadness, something that has resonated among communities all across Holderness.
Kerry Underdown, 61, from Hornsea, said: “The Inshore Rescue knew how dangerous it was, but they couldn’t get out at first. They would have been the first there, I’m sure.
“I think they’re a fantastic team. I’d like to thank everybody else as well who tried to save those poor souls.
“It’s such a tragedy and one thing we didn’t need was people speculating and saying nasty things, particularly online. Those families have to live with this. It’s a pure tragedy that could happen to anybody in a split second.”
Her husband Dave Underdown, 74, said: “I’m so shocked. We were 15-year-old kids once ourselves and we have grandkids that age as well.
“My granddaughter who’s 14 called me afterwards, and I had to choke back the tears as it really brought it home.
“Believe you me I wouldn’t want to hear anything like this happening again. We couldn’t do without the Inshore Rescue.”
Andrea Sims, 69, said: “It’s difficult to describe. I have got five children and lots of grandchildren. Some are a similar age to the poor girl. It’s awful.
“You really feel for them. The man who tried to help and lost his life is around my age. It’s terrible.
“The emergency services are amazing. They do everything they can. The weathers they have to go out in, and that they have to recover people, is so hard for them. My heart goes out to everybody involved.”
Julie Peskey, 62, from Cowden, said: “We’d be lost without the emergency services across the country. We’re so lucky to have them. They’re so valuable.
“It goes without saying what a massive tragedy this is, especially for the families now.
“It preys on your mind about the dangers. I work with a young man who has special needs and you can’t stop him going to the beach.
“We all live in this community and we all feel it. I’ll have this feeling for months to come.
“I’d like to say thank you to the emergency services and volunteers who came and helped everyone. They do a brilliant job and we appreciate everything they do.”
Hornsea Inshore Rescue issued a statement following the weekend’s incident.
It said: “Humber Coastguard Bridlington tasked Hornsea Inshore Rescue to assist Withernsea RNLI, the Coastguard, and other emergency services following a report of a number of persons in the water at Withernsea.
“The crew and lifeboat were ready to launch at the slipway, but were met with exceptional conditions. Three-metre high waves were running at an angle up and across the slipway on to the road, making it impossible to facilitate a launch.
“In co-operation with the Coastguard it was decided to immediately dispatch three casualty care crew members by road to offer assistance as required.
“The lifeboat remained on standby if the circumstances changed. The mobile crew returned to Hornsea at half past five.
“At 8.22pm we were again tasked to launch to assist in the search. The tide was sufficiently low to permit a launch into a rough sea, and the lifeboat joined the other rescue organisations by operating search patterns as instructed.
“The lifeboat returned to base at midnight having been stood down.
“Management and crew offer their heartfelt condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.”
Hornsea Inshore Rescue is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is an independent local rescue organisation supported solely by donations and grants.