A 13-year-old boy is missing after getting into difficulty in the sea off the East Yorkshire coast, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation by emergency services. Humberside Police were alerted at around 6pm on Tuesday evening to concerns for the boy’s safety while swimming in the sea off South Promenade in Hornsea.
Police deploy specialist teams in urgent search
Chief Superintendent Phil Booker confirmed that officers were immediately dispatched alongside other emergency services. Upon arrival, they discovered the teenager had reportedly struggled in the water. Specialist Police Search Advisors (POLSA), the Marine Unit, and drone pilots have all been deployed to conduct a thorough search of the area.
“Our priority now is to find the boy, and members of the public can expect to see specialist Police Search Advisors (POLSA), along with our Marine Unit and drone pilots, who have also been deployed to conduct an extensive search and rescue operation to locate him,” said Chief Superintendent Booker.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely, and have asked people to refrain from speculating on the circumstances. The search continues, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Lifeboat and coastguard helicopter seen at scene
Footage and photographs from the scene show a lifeboat on the sea and an HM Coastguard helicopter circling overhead, underscoring the scale of the operation. The incident comes just a day after a 14-year-old boy drowned in east London after entering the water at Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road on the Isle of Dogs. Despite emergency efforts, the boy was retrieved from the river at 10.30pm and pronounced dead.
Recent tragedies highlight open-water dangers
Tuesday’s incident in East Yorkshire occurred less than 20 miles from where 15-year-old Grace Keeling was swept out to sea in January. Grace died at Withernsea, along with her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45, and local man Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who had gone into the water to help her. An inquest in May heard they got into difficulties immediately. Grace’s body was found 13 days later, trapped among giant boulders used for sea defences.
According to Press Association estimates, at least 39 deaths have been reported this summer from open-water incidents, highlighting the persistent risks of swimming in uncontrolled environments.
Appeal for information
Police have asked anyone with information that may assist the search to speak to officers in Hornsea. The investigation into the full circumstances is ongoing, and the community is urged to remain vigilant and avoid speculation.
