A major search off the east Yorkshire coast ended in tragedy on Friday. Two people have died. Emergency crews are still looking for one more person.
The incident happened in Withernsea. Humberside Police confirmed the deaths. The search will start again at first light on Saturday.
It began at 3:10 PM on Friday. The HM Coastguard got reports of several people in trouble in the water. A large rescue operation launched immediately.
First, a 67-year-old man was pulled from the sea. He was unconscious. He died at the scene. Later on Friday evening, a second body was recovered from the water. Police have not shared the age or gender of this second person. They said the circumstances are not suspicious.
The search involved many teams. A rescue helicopter and an air ambulance were used. RNLI lifeboat crews from Withernsea, Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue all responded. About 100 emergency service members were there.
Conditions were very dangerous. Hornsea Inshore Rescue described “horrendous conditions.” Waves reached nearly 10 feet (3 meters) high.
The search was paused around 12:30 AM Saturday due to darkness and safety. It will resume at daybreak.
A police spokesperson asked the public to avoid the area. This allows emergency teams to work safely and effectively. A large cordon that was in place has now been lifted.
BBC reporter Danny Savage was at the scene. He said the tide was high and light faded quickly. “It’s freezing with the windchill,” he said. The cold and rough sea made the rescue mission very difficult.
