A photograph has sparked outrage and concern after capturing a person flirting with disaster at Whitby harbour, mere hours after a tragic incident on the East Yorkshire coast claimed two lives.
Whitby Harbour's Perilous Scene
The image, taken from live CCTV footage streamed by Whitby Yacht Club, shows an individual in a distinctive green hooded parka coat. The person is seen cautiously navigating the slippery lifeboat and yacht ramp, edging perilously close to the churning, foaming water below. In the background, massive 15-foot waves can be seen crashing against the harbour wall, highlighting the extreme conditions.
Some online observers initially questioned the image's authenticity, suggesting it could be generated by artificial intelligence. However, the person who shared the photo swiftly provided a direct link to the live stream, confirming the alarming scene was real and unfolding in real-time.
Public Fury Following Withernsea Loss
The Whitby incident comes against a grim backdrop. Just 24 hours earlier, on Friday, January 2, 2026, a major rescue operation was launched in Withernsea after reports of a 'number of people in difficulty in the water' near Pier Towers.
According to witnesses, a teenage girl was swept away by a large wave. As others attempted to rescue her, they too were overwhelmed by the freezing sea. The emergency response was immense, involving over 100 personnel from HM Coastguard, Humberside Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Humberside Fire and Rescue.
Tragically, the body of a 67-year-old man was recovered from the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Later that evening, a second body was found. Searches for a third missing person were stood down in the early hours of Saturday and resumed at dawn, continuing into Sunday.
A Stark Warning on Coastal Safety
The juxtaposition of the dangerous behaviour in Whitby with the recent fatalities in Withernsea ignited a furious reaction online. Social media comments reflected public anger and frustration at the perceived recklessness.
One user pointedly asked: 'Two have died and one missing in Withernsea - and people still do this?' Another criticised the potential drain on emergency services, stating: 'And someone will be expected to save them from their own stupidity.' Others labelled the actions as 'stupid, dangerous and selfish', urging people to always respect the power of the sea.
These events serve as a chilling reminder of the deadly force of the UK's coastal waters, especially during winter storms. Authorities consistently warn the public to stay away from exposed piers, harbour walls, and promenades during rough weather, as waves can sweep people away with little warning.
