A major search and rescue operation on the East Yorkshire coast has ended in tragedy with the confirmation of a second death, as emergency services continue to hunt for one remaining missing person.
Second Body Recovered from the Water
Humberside Police confirmed that a second body was recovered from the sea on the evening of Friday, 2 January. This follows the earlier death of a 67-year-old man. The police have stated the circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.
The incident began when a group of people got into difficulty in the water off Withernsea at approximately 3:10pm on 2 January. A large-scale multi-agency response was immediately launched to locate four individuals reported missing.
Major Emergency Service Response
The search operation involved a significant deployment of resources from across the region. HM Coastguard coordinated the response, sending a search and rescue helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft to the scene.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea, and Hull were mobilised, alongside lifeboats from the RNLI. The Withernsea inshore lifeboat and the all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington were involved, assisted by Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
On land, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, including an air ambulance, Humberside Police, and Humberside Fire & Rescue Service all attended the incident. Their combined efforts continued into the night as they searched for the final missing person.
Ongoing Search and Public Appeal
Despite the recovery of two bodies, the operation remains active. Emergency services are still scouring the area for one individual who entered the water on Friday afternoon.
Police have issued a plea to the public, asking people to avoid the area to allow the emergency teams to work efficiently and safely. The spokesperson for Humberside Police reiterated that officers and partner agencies remain on the scene as the search persists.
The community of Withernsea now faces an anxious wait as the extensive coastal search enters a critical phase, with hopes fading for the missing person.
