Rescue launched after people in trouble in sea off Withernsea

A multi-agency search began after reports of people in difficulty off Withernsea; two bodies have been recovered and searches continue for one missing person.

A major rescue operation began off Withernsea on Friday after reports that a number of people were in difficulty in the water. HM Coastguard led the response and a range of other emergency services were mobilised. Aircraft, lifeboats and land teams were deployed as conditions on the sea were described as difficult. The operation continued into the evening with emergency crews remaining on scene. What is known: - The incident was reported at about 3:10pm on Friday with reports of a number of people in difficulty in the water. - HM Coastguard sent a search-and-rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull. - The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and the all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington assisted, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, an air ambulance, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue were also in attendance. - Hornsea Inshore Rescue reported it could not launch its lifeboat because of three-metre waves breaking on its slipway and deployed a 4x4 casualty care crew instead. - Two bodies have been recovered from the sea and searches continue for one more person, with emergency teams remaining on scene into the evening. Summary: Two people have been recovered and the search for a further missing person continued into the night, with multiple agencies involved in the response. Undetermined at this time.