Two people have died and a third is missing after a desperate attempt to rescue a teenage girl swept out to sea in treacherous conditions off the East Yorkshire coast. The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon in Withernsea, prompting a major emergency response.
Chronology of a coastal emergency
Humberside Police were called to Central Promenade in Withernsea at 3.15pm on Friday, 2 January 2026. According to eyewitness accounts, a girl, believed to be around 15 years old, was swept away by powerful waves after going down concrete steps near the Pier Towers.
Her parents and bystanders immediately attempted to help. Paul Whitehead, owner of the Castle Cafe on the promenade, told how his staff tried to assist, with one employee throwing a life ring to the struggling teenager. "The young girl had hold of the ring but was hit by a wave and couldn't hold on and went under," he said.
Four local men who were on the promenade also rushed down to help the parents. Karen Higgs, 66, another eyewitness, described seeing the girl in the water "going in and out with the waves" and the frantic efforts to get her to grab the safety ring.
Major search and rescue operation
The rescue effort quickly escalated into a large-scale operation. A 67-year-old man was pulled unconscious from the water and pronounced dead at the scene. A second body was recovered later on Friday evening.
Searches for a third missing individual continued throughout Saturday, involving HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Humberside Fire and Rescue. The coastguard confirmed that a rescue helicopter, coastguard rescue teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull, an RNLI inshore lifeboat from Withernsea, an all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue all attended.
The search was stood down at 12.30am on Saturday due to darkness and dangerous conditions, with efforts resuming at first light. The local charity Hornsea Inshore Rescue noted on Facebook that they were initially unable to launch due to "horrendous conditions and three-metre waves," but later managed to get their lifeboat on service.
Aftermath and ongoing investigation
Police have stated that the circumstances surrounding both deaths are not believed to be suspicious. Humberside Police have asked the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of the UK coastline, even for those attempting heroic rescues. The community of Withernsea has been left shaken by the events, which occurred during a period of severe winter weather and rough seas.
The coastguard reiterated its warning for people to respect the power of the sea, especially during winter storms, and to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see anyone in trouble near the water.
