Tragic Rescue Attempt off East Yorkshire Coast Claims Two Lives
A brave bid to save a teenage girl swept into icy waters near Withernsea ended in heartbreak yesterday. At least two people died trying to pull her from the freezing sea after a massive wave struck near Pier Towers.
Frozen Sea Turns Deadly
Police confirmed a 67-year-old man and another victim lost their lives battling the arctic waters. The drama unfolded around 3:15pm when multiple people were reported struggling in the sea.
The man was dragged unconscious from the water and later pronounced dead at the scene. A second body was recovered later that evening. A third person remains missing as the search continues.
Authorities said the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
Massive Rescue Operation in Bitter Cold
HM Coastguard scrambled helicopters, planes, and rescue teams. Alongside RNLI, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Humberside Police, Yorkshire Ambulance, and Fire & Rescue, the operation pressed on well into the night.
The mission was paused at 12:30am but will resume at dawn amid freezing temperatures and a yellow snow and ice warning for the Yorkshire coast. Snow showers overnight could dump up to 8cm in parts of the region.
Witnesses Describe Panic and Chaos
Local resident Darrin Stevens told the BBC: “It’s just blue lights, wall-to-wall from one side to the other.”
Eyewitness Karen Higgs recalled encouraging the girl to grab a nearby safety ring, but the waves pulled her away before rescuers arrived.
Paul Whitehead, owner of the Castle Cafe on the promenade, said: “The rough seas pushed her further out despite the brave efforts to save her.”
Police Urge Public to Avoid Area
Humberside Police pleaded with locals to steer clear to allow emergency teams to work safely and efficiently. They confirmed searches will continue until the missing person is found.
Witnessed the tragedy? Email [email protected] with any information.
