A major emergency operation is continuing along the East Yorkshire coast after a man died and two people were reported missing in treacherous sea conditions near Withernsea.
Major Emergency Response Launched
HM Coastguard confirmed it was searching for two individuals believed to be in difficulty off the coast of Withernsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The alarm was raised shortly after 3pm on Thursday, triggering a large-scale response.
Ambulances, coastguard helicopters, and a fixed-wing aircraft were all deployed to scour the area. Rescue teams faced what were described as 'horrendous conditions', with waves reported to have reached heights of up to 9.8 feet during the day.
Tragic Confirmation from Police
In a subsequent statement, Humberside Police confirmed a fatality. A 67-year-old man was recovered from the water unconscious and died a short time later at the scene. Police stated the circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.
The force added: "Searches are still ongoing. Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search continues."
'Bitter and Freezing' Conditions Hamper Search
Local photographer Darrin Stevens, who lives 250 metres from where rescue services were based, witnessed the operation. The 60-year-old described the weather as "bitter and freezing".
"The sea could have been very dangerous, the water is very bitter and if they are in that water they do not have long. It is a dangerous place to be," Stevens said. "It was freezing, and when the sea is as harsh as it is, every care needs to be taken."
RNLI Issues Stark Cold Water Warning
As the search continued, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) issued a urgent safety warning. It highlighted the significant risk posed by cold water shock, especially with UK sea temperatures currently between 6C and 10C.
Gareth Morrison, RNLI Head of Water Safety, urged caution: "We are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations. With the sea temperatures still dropping... the effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions... should be taken seriously."
The incident follows the death of a 51-year-old man who was recovered from the sea near Brighton Palace Pier on New Year's Day.
HM Coastguard has stated that the search for the two missing people off the Yorkshire coast remains active.
