A major search and rescue operation is continuing off the coast of East Yorkshire after the death of a man and with two people still missing. Emergency services faced treacherous conditions with waves reportedly reaching up to three metres.
Emergency Response Launched Amidst Dangerous Seas
HM Coastguard confirmed it was alerted just after 3pm on Thursday following reports of people in difficulty in the water near Withernsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire. A significant multi-agency response was immediately mobilised.
Ambulances, coastguard helicopters, and a fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to scour the area in what was described as "horrendous conditions". The search effort braved bitter, freezing weather and a dangerously rough sea state.
Tragic Confirmation and Ongoing Search
In an update, Humberside Police confirmed the recovery of a man from the water. A statement read: "During the initial searches, emergency services recovered an unconscious man from the water. Despite the best efforts we can confirm a 67-year-old man died a short time later at the scene."
The force added that the circumstances were not thought to be suspicious and that searches for the two missing individuals were ongoing. Residents were warned to expect a continued increased police presence in the area.
Local photographer Darrin Stevens, who lives 250 metres from where rescue teams were based, witnessed the operation. The 60-year-old described the scene: "I could see emergency services 30 feet away from the sea. You could see the helicopter so close to the house it was incredible."
He emphasised the perilous conditions, stating: "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."
RNLI Issues Stark Cold Water Warning
As the search continued, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) issued a timely safety warning about the acute dangers of cold water. The charity highlighted that the effects of cold water shock, combined with weather conditions, pose a severe risk in water temperatures of 15C or below.
Current sea temperatures around the UK are between 6C and 10C, with the coldest periods typically occurring around March.
Gareth Morrison, RNLI Head of Water Safety, urged caution: "We know this time of year many people take part in festive and new year dips, or continue regular winter swims. We are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations."
He stressed that the combined impact of cold water, weather, and personal health factors "should be taken seriously before venturing in".
This incident follows the death of a 51-year-old man from Kettering who died after being recovered from the sea near Brighton Palace Pier on New Year's Day.
HM Coastguard has stated that the search operation off the Yorkshire coast remains active.
