Two individuals have died following a major search and rescue operation off the coast of East Yorkshire, according to police. Emergency services have resumed efforts to locate another person who went missing in the waters near Withernsea.
On Friday evening, a second body was retrieved from the sea. Earlier, an unconscious 67-year-old man was pulled from the water and unfortunately passed away at the scene, as confirmed by Humberside Police. Initial reports from HM Coastguard indicated several people were in trouble in the water at the seaside town.
The police have not disclosed the gender or age of the second deceased individual and have stated that the circumstances do not appear suspicious. The incident, reported at 15:10 GMT on Friday, prompted a significant search operation involving a rescue helicopter, air ambulance, and RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
Crews on-site in Withernsea, where a cordon had been established, continued their search. A police spokesperson noted: "Residents will see an increased police presence in the area as the search progresses. We urge the public to avoid the vicinity to enable emergency services to operate efficiently and safely." The search was temporarily halted at approximately 00:30 on Saturday morning but resumed at first light.
BBC reporter Jessica Lane described the scene on Saturday as "bitterly cold and windy with driving snow." She reported that "the sea is rough with waves crashing above the sea wall." Coastguard members were seen walking along the promenade, scanning the rocks below as the search recommenced.
The Hornsea Inshore Rescue noted that it had battled "horrendous conditions," facing waves reaching 9.8ft (3m). The large cordon that had been set up was subsequently lifted, with the operation enlisting about 100 emergency service personnel, including those from Yorkshire Ambulance and Humberside Fire and Rescue.