A desperate rescue mission off the East Yorkshire coast has ended in tragedy, with two people dead, a third missing, and heroic lifeboat volunteers injured in terrifying conditions.
Chaotic Scene as Giant Waves Sweep People to Sea
The incident began on Friday afternoon in the seaside town of Withernsea. According to local cafe owner Paul Whitehead, 60, a teenage girl was watching the dramatic waves from concrete steps leading to the beach when she was suddenly swept away by a colossal wave.
Her screams for help prompted family members nearby to rush to her aid, resulting in a total of three people being dragged into the churning sea. Emergency services, including coastguard teams and volunteer RNLI crews, were on the scene within minutes, launching into a major search operation despite driving snow and perilous conditions.
Injured Rescuers and Exhaustive Search Efforts
The rescue attempt quickly turned dangerous for the responders. Two RNLI crew members sustained cuts and bruises after being knocked off their feet by waves reported to be as high as 12 feet (3.6 metres).
Paul Whitehead, owner of the Castle Cafe on the promenade, witnessed the efforts. "The guys got to the station, sat in the boat, the tractor pulled them round... and they launched. Two of the guys were injured it was that rough," he said. "It was heroic, to throw yourself into... the worst of the situations physically and emotionally."
More than 100 people have been involved in the search, utilising helicopters, lifeboats, and air ambulances. Crews from Withernsea, Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue all responded to the initial call from HM Coastguard at 3.10 pm on Friday reporting a "number of people in difficulty in the water".
Community's Brave Response and Ongoing Search
Before emergency services arrived, bystanders attempted their own rescue. One of Mr Whitehead's employees threw a life ring to the teenage girl. "The young girl had hold of the ring but was hit by a wave and couldn't hold on and went under," he explained. Four local men also went down to the water's edge to try and help.
The first victim recovered was a 67-year-old man, pulled unconscious from the water. Locals have described him as a 'hero' who was attempting to save the child. A second body was later found. Humberside Police have stated the circumstances are not suspicious.
Volunteers from the Hornsea Independent lifeboat charity faced immense challenges, needing two attempts to launch due to "horrendous cold conditions" and three-metre waves breaking on their slipway. Station manager Sue Hickson Marsay MBE said they searched for four hours before returning after midnight.
Rescue efforts were suspended overnight but resumed at first light on Saturday, now compounded by blizzard conditions. The community of Withernsea is left in mourning, with profound gratitude for the bravery of the emergency services and volunteers who risked their own safety.
