A major multi-agency rescue operation was launched off the East Yorkshire coast on Friday afternoon amid fears a family of four had gotten into difficulty in the sea.
Massive Search in Treacherous Conditions
HM Coastguard confirmed it received reports of an incident off Withernsea at approximately 3:10pm on Friday, January 2. The search, described as extensive, involves multiple rescue teams battling what have been labelled "horrendous" and treacherous conditions. These include huge three-metre waves and snow, which have severely hampered efforts.
The operation continued well into the evening, with a significant emergency service presence concentrated around the central promenade area of the seaside town. Humberside Fire and Rescue Service stated they were alerted to the incident at around 3:40pm.
Rescue Assets Deployed in Desperate Bid
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard detailed the scale of the response. An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft have been deployed. They are being supported by Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea, and Hull.
Lifeboat crews are also central to the operation:
- The RNLI's inshore lifeboat from Withernsea.
- The all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington.
- Humber Rescue's inshore lifeboat.
However, the severe weather has directly impacted rescue capabilities. Hornsea Inshore Rescue posted on Facebook that they were "unable to launch lifeboat due to horrendous conditions and three metre waves breaking on our slipway." Instead, they sent a 4x4 vehicle with a casualty care crew to Withernsea.
Emergency Services Converge on Seaside Town
Alongside the maritime search teams, other emergency services are in attendance. Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been dispatched, including an air ambulance. Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also on the scene to assist.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the central promenade area of Withernsea if possible to allow emergency vehicles free movement. The incident occurred as temperatures in the town, located about 18 miles east of Hull, plunged. The East Riding of Yorkshire Council confirmed its severe weather emergency protocol was active.
The search for a number of people, feared to be a family unit, remains ongoing as rescue teams brave the dangerous winter seas.
