Withernsea sea tragedy: Two dead, one missing as search continues

RESPONSE: Lifeboat crew at the scene last night. Picture credit: Sam Hawcroft / Holderness Gazette

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Two people have died and a third remains missing after a major search operation in the sea off Withernsea.

Emergency services were called to the Central Promenade area at about 3.15pm on Friday, January 2, following reports of concern for the safety of people in the water.

HM Coastguard, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire & Rescue Service and Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended, with resources deployed including a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, and coastguard rescue teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull. 

The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington were also assisting, as well as Hornsea Inshore Rescue.

Conditions were freezing and the sea was rough, with people reporting large waves.

ROUGH: People gathered at the scene as waves battered the shore yesterday. Picture credit: Darrin Stevens

In an incident update at 9.40pm, Humberside Police said: “During the initial searches, emergency services recovered an unconscious man from the water. Despite the best efforts we can confirm a 67-year-old man died a short time later at the scene. The circumstances around his death are not thought to be suspicious.

“Searches are still ongoing. Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search continues.

“We would ask people to please avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.”

In a further update at 11.20pm, the force said a second body had been recovered from the water: “We can now confirm that earlier this evening a second body was recovered from the sea. The circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.”

After further extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the teams were stood down at about 12.30am today.

Searches resumed at first light this morning, with one person still unaccounted for.

In an update at 9.30am today, HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard searches in the Withernsea area have resumed this morning, 3 January.

“Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hull, Withernsea, Hornsea and Bridlington alongside police were sent to the scene at around 6.30am to search for one missing person. Searches remain ongoing.”

The tragedy has shocked the community in the resort, where heavy snow added to the difficult conditions this morning.

In a social media post, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said: “Terrible news in Withernsea. Please let emergency services do what they do best. Thoughts and prayers with everybody at this difficult time.”