Search and rescue teams have resumed the hunt for a missing person this morning after two men died following an incident in the sea off the East Yorkshire coast. The tragedy unfolded near Withernsea on Friday afternoon, prompting a major multi-agency response.
Major Emergency Response Launched
HM Coastguard first received reports of a number of people in difficulty in the water at approximately 3.10pm on Tuesday, 2 January. A significant emergency operation was immediately mobilised. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea, Hull, and Bridlington were dispatched to the scene.
They were supported by an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, and lifeboats from the RNLI and Hornsea Inshore Rescue. Yorkshire Ambulance Service, including an air ambulance, Humberside Police, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service also attended the coastal incident.
Two Bodies Recovered from the Water
The search continued into the evening under challenging conditions. Shortly before 10pm, a 67-year-old man was pulled from the water unconscious. Humberside Police confirmed he died soon afterwards.
Then, just before 11.30pm, the police force announced a second death. They stated that searches were continuing for one more individual who had entered the water. The intense overnight search was eventually stood down at around 12.30am on Wednesday, 3 January, to allow teams to regroup.
Search for Missing Person Resumes at Dawn
Operations recommenced at first light. In an update on Wednesday morning, HM Coastguard confirmed: 'HM Coastguard searches in the Withernsea area have resumed this morning, 3 January.'
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hull, Withernsea, Hornsea, and Bridlington returned to the scene alongside police officers at approximately 6.30am. The focus remains on locating one missing person, with searches ongoing. The circumstances that led to the group entering the water are not yet clear and will be part of ongoing investigations.
The community of Withernsea and the wider East Yorkshire region have been left shocked by the tragic events on their coastline.
