A mother and a passerby have died after attempting to rescue a teenage girl swept out to sea by powerful waves in Withernsea, East Yorkshire. The incident occurred on Friday, January 2, as the girl, believed to be around 15, was watching the surf from steps near Pier Towers when a massive wave dragged her into the churning waters.
Her mother and uncle jumped into the sea to save her but got into difficulty. The uncle managed to reach safety, but the mother did not survive. A 67-year-old member of the public also tried to help and was pulled from the water unconscious just before 10pm; he later died, Humberside Police confirmed.
Café proprietor Paul Whitehead, 60, said his staff threw a life ring to the girl, who grabbed it but could not hold on due to the rough sea. The search for the missing teenager was called off on Saturday night due to severe snowstorms and freezing temperatures.
Two bodies have been recovered from the water. Flowers have been laid at Pier Towers in memory of the victims. Humberside Police continue to investigate the tragic accident.
