A major search and rescue operation on the Yorkshire coast has ended in tragedy after two people lost their lives in the sea off Withernsea, with a third person still missing. Emergency services were called to the scene on Friday afternoon, 2 January 2026, following reports of multiple people in difficulty in the water amid what were described as 'horrendous conditions'.
Major Emergency Response Launched
More than 100 members of the emergency services scrambled to the coast at around 3.15pm after the initial alert. HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police, and Humberside Fire and Rescue all dispatched crews to the scene near Pier Towers. A significant rescue mission was launched, involving a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, and lifeboats from Withernsea, Bridlington, and Hornsea.
Despite the large-scale effort, the dangerous sea state and freezing temperatures hampered operations. The incident occurred just one day after the annual New Year's Day swim in the area was cancelled due to large breaking waves, and as a yellow weather warning for snow and ice was in place.
Witnesses Describe Desperate Rescue Attempt
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and distressing scene, stating that a teenage girl was caught by a large wave and overwhelmed by the sea. Karen Higgs, who saw the incident unfold, told how people attempted to pull the girl to safety using a life ring. "We were all shouting at her to catch it, catch it," she said. "She just didn't. Then she was going out further."
Paul Whitehead, owner of the Castle Cafe on the promenade, estimated the girl was around 15 years old. He said four men and the girl's parents rushed to help after she was washed away. "The young girl had hold of the ring but was hit by a wave and couldn't hold on and went under," he recounted.
Search Concluded After Two Deaths Confirmed
Humberside Police confirmed that a 67-year-old man was recovered from the water unconscious shortly before 10pm and died soon after. Later, just before 11.30pm, the force announced a second death. Searches continued through the night for a third missing person, standing down at 12.30am before resuming at 6.30am amid snow flurries.
Finally, at 4pm on Saturday, 3 January, HM Coastguard confirmed the extensive search had been ended. In a statement, they said: "After resuming shoreline searches in Withernsea for one missing person today, HM Coastguard stood down its extensive search effort this afternoon." The police stated the circumstances surrounding the two deaths are not believed to be suspicious.
This double tragedy on the Yorkshire coast followed another fatal incident just hours earlier, where a man in his 50s died after getting into difficulty at Brighton beach on New Year's Day.
