Two people have died and one other remains missing after a major search and rescue operation off the coast at Withernsea.
Humberside Police confirmed late on Friday, January 2, that a second body had been recovered earlier in the evening. The circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.
Officers remain in the area alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service as searches continue for a further person reported to have entered 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, with a major multi-agency response quickly deployed amid freezing temperatures, very rough conditions and a strong incoming tide.
Humberside Police earlier confirmed that during 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. Police said the circumstances surrounding his death were not believed to be suspicious.
It remains unclear how the individuals entered the water. People on the seafront described conditions as extremely rough, with unusually large and unpredictable waves at the time.
The major operation continued late into the evening, with residents advised to expect an increased police presence in and around the area and to avoid the seafront to allow emergency services to work safely.
After the alarm was first 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 whole area, including side streets leading to the seafront, was cordoned off.
A coastguard helicopter and light aircraft continued to search just offshore as daylight faded, with operations carrying on well after darkness had fallen. A second coastguard helicopter later arrived from Wales to take over the search.
Late in the evening, at around 9pm, several ambulances were seen on the promenade near the commercial slipway, while the coastguard helicopter continued to fly low over the area.
A statement from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, released at 7.15pm, said: “HM Coastguard is searching for two missing people in the water off Withernsea today, January 2.
“First alerted to reports of people in difficulty in the water at around 3.10pm, assets sent to the scene include an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull, the RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
“Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been sent as well as an air ambulance. Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also in attendance.
“Searches remain ongoing.”
Withernsea RNLI crew had entered the water in the D-class lifeboat at around 6pm, but conditions were described as too dangerous, with very large waves forcing them to turn back.
Hornsea Inshore Rescue earlier confirmed on social media that conditions were too severe for a launch, although its 4×4 vehicle and volunteers were present in Withernsea to support the wider response.
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart posted on social media: “Terrible news in Withernsea. Please let emergency services do what they do best.
“Thoughts and prayers with everybody at this difficult time.”
South East Holderness councillor Lyn Healing said: “Withernsea residents did themselves proud once again, many residents offering hot drinks, use of toilets and food to our blue light heroes.
“[Withernea town clerk] Jayne Moxon and me opened the Meridian Centre to serve hot drinks, biscuits and warmth to all of them – some had come from Goole, Scunthorpe, Driffield, Hornsea, Bridlington and Hull and of course our local crews. So very proud of them all on this dreadful day.”
Cllr Jon Dimberline described the scene as “shocking” and said the scale of the response reflected the seriousness of the incident, adding that the promenade had been kept “sterile” as emergency services worked.
Cllr Sean McMaster said: “I am deeply saddened by the events that have unfolded today in Withernsea.
“My prayers are with the families of those affected by these events. I thank all of the emergency services that attended from far and wide for their response and immense efforts.
“And of course those in the Withernsea community that came together as they always do and opened up to offer hot drinks and facilities to the emergency services.”
Darrin Stevens, a local photographer whose Queen Street balcony overlooks the promenade, said he watched the operation from above.
He said: “Watching what was unfolding in front of us was quite remarkable. Seeing the coastguard stepping up, the helicopter hovering above the house, the lifeboat crews, the police, fire brigade and ambulances all working together showed how powerful that response can be.
“We don’t yet know the outcome of the wider search, but it also shows just how dangerous the sea can be in Withernsea, especially in these conditions.”
Withernsea Methodist Church, in Hull Road, said it would be open on Saturday, January 3, between 10am and noon, for people to join together and pray for anyone affected by the incident.
The tragedy came just a day after Hornsea’s annual New Year Dip was cancelled by the Inshore Rescue at the last minute because of rough sea conditions.
Hundreds of people had turned out on the South Promenade to take part in and support the fundraiser, and to have a swim in the sea. They were left disappointed after senior crew members made the decision to stop people going in because of safety fears.
Strong and fast waves were dumping heavily on the shore which were deemed unsafe for swimmers, so the plug was pulled. Humberside Fire and Rescue Service stepped in to hose down those who had come along instead.
However, Withernsea’s Boxing Day Dip, which was postponed because of rough seas on December 26, did go ahead on January 1. Dozens of people entered the sea, watched by Withernsea RNLI crew, and the event passed without incident.
