Hunt for Third Missing Person Off Withernsea Coast Called Off
The desperate search for a third missing person off Withernsea’s coast has officially ended, emergency services confirmed.
Massive Rescue Operation Launches in Freezing Conditions
On Friday, 2 January, emergency teams scrambled after reports of a group in trouble in the icy waters near East Yorkshire’s seaside town. The operation quickly escalated into a huge effort.
Led by HM Coastguard, over 100 personnel from the RNLI, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service joined the search.
Brutal Weather Hampers Lifesaving Efforts
“After resuming shoreline searches in Withernsea for one missing person today, 3 January, HM Coastguard stood down its extensive search effort this afternoon,” a Coastguard spokesperson said.
The RNLI praised volunteers and the public for their support during the ordeal.
“RNLI crews recovered two casualties, with lifeboats from Withernsea, Bridlington, and Skegness combing the waters for the final missing person.
“The conditions were savage – three-metre waves, howling winds, and freezing temperatures making the search perilous.
“Although the search paused at 12:30am, it resumed at first light on Saturday, 3 January, battling through snow and ice until HM Coastguard finally called it off at 4pm.”
Search Ends Without Finding Third Person
Despite heroic efforts, the third missing person was not found. Authorities thanked all involved and urged the public to stay safe near the sea amid harsh winter conditions.
