A major emergency operation involving multiple rescue agencies is currently underway in the East Yorkshire seaside town of Withernsea, following urgent reports of several individuals in difficulty in the water.
Emergency Call Triggers Multi-Agency Response
The alarm was raised at just after 3.30pm on Friday, 2 January 2026. The HM Coastguard is leading a significant search and rescue mission after receiving concerning reports of a number of people struggling in the water off the popular coastal spot.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were mobilised to the scene at 3.40pm. They have joined a large-scale effort that includes crews from the RNLI, Humberside Police, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
Public Urged to Avoid Central Promenade Area
A spokesperson for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has issued a public appeal regarding the ongoing incident. “There are emergency vehicles around the central promenade area of Withernsea,” they stated.
The spokesperson strongly advised: “We ask if people can avoid this area if at all possible and to take care because emergency vehicles will be moving in the area.” This request is intended to ensure clear access for rescue teams and to maintain public safety around the operational zone.
Search Operation Continues
The full scale and precise details of the incident remain under investigation as the search operation continues. Emergency services are dedicating significant resources to the response at the Withernsea coastline.
This remains a developing situation, and further updates are expected as the coordinated search led by HM Coastguard progresses.
