Withernsea search LIVE: Man, 67, dies as Coastguard 'hunts for two missing' in sea

A huge search and rescue operation was launched after reports that 'a number of people' were in trouble off the East Yorkshire coast on Friday afternoon - a man has tragically been confirmed dead

A huge search and rescue operation was launched after reports that "a number of people" were in trouble in the sea.

A 67-year-old man has tragically died following the incident off the East Yorkshire coast at Withernsea this afternoon, police have confirmed. Emergency services were called at around 3.10pm today and recovered an unconscious man from the water during initial searches. The circumstances around his death are not thought to be suspicious.

The operation has been led by HM Coastguard, with support from the RNLI, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. Crews battled "horrendous conditions", with plummeting temperatures and snow and ice warnings in place.

21:58KEY EVENT

Man, 67, died in incident at sea

Police have confirmed that a 67-year-old man has tragically died following an incident off the coast of Withernsea this afternoon.

A statement read: "Officers were called to attend Central Promenade in Withernsea following reports of concern for safety for people in the water at around 3.15pm on Friday, 2 January 2026.

"Alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire & Rescue, Humberside Police officers were immediately deployed to the area.

"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 circumstances around his death are not thought to be suspicious.

"Searches are still ongoing. Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search continues. We would ask people to please avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.”

21:10KEY EVENT

Cafe employee braved freezing waters to help rescue efforts

The owner of the Castle cafe at Withernsea has told how a member of his staff braved the freezing waters to assist in rescue efforts.

The owner, who did not want to be named, told Hull Live: "We’ve only just closed up. We’re right opposite where it happened and there were people coming across to us who had gone in the sea to try to help."

He continued: "There must be 12 emergency vehicles; coastguard; helicopters are up - it’s a massive search. It’s dreadful. This morning I woke up to a flood alert saying how rough it was going to be today. Two of my staff ran across when they heard a commotion - and one of them went in the sea.

"My staff member is okay but very shaken up, as you can imagine. And now, it’s dark, it’s rough and it’s snowing. And they’re still looking."

20:00KEY EVENT

Two people missing in water, coastguard says

HM Coastguard is searching for two missing people. It is not yet clear whether the original report by the coastguard spokesperson of four people was incorrect or if two have since been rescued.

In an update, a spokeperson said: "HM Coastguard is searching for two missing people in the water off Withernsea today, 2 January.

"First alerted to reports of people in difficulty in the water at around 3.10pm, assets sent to the scene include an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull, the RNLI's inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.

"Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been sent as well as an air ambulance. Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also in attendance. Searches remain ongoing."

19:44Eliana Nunes

Local vicar offers prayers and support to 'courageous' rescuers

Local vicar, Rev Ian Greenfield, told the BBC he was on hand to offer emotional support and prayers for "these courageous men and women who are here, possibly risking their own lives to save somebody that might be out at sea".

19:40Eliana Nunes

Four people missing in water, ambulance service says

A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson said four people were missing in the water earlier this evening.

She confirmed the service was still at the the scene at nearly 7pm, more than three hours after receiving the emergency call at around 3.15pm, together with all the other rescue services at Withernsea.

She said: “Yorkshire Ambulance is still on the scene. We’ve got mountain rescue, several ambulances and tactical commanders from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Fire and Rescue and Police all there. It’s believed to be four people in the water. We still have a presence on scene along with all the other resources."

19:22Eliana Nunes

Rescue team 'unable to launch lifeboat due to horrendous conditions'

In a post on Facebook, Hornsea Inshore Rescue said that conditions were "horrendous".

It said: "Called out, unable to launch lifeboat due to horrendous conditions and three metre waves breaking on our slipway which would knock the tractor and trailer sideways off the ramp. Our 4x4 vehicle en route to Withernsea with casualty care crew."

19:22Eliana Nunes

Multi-agency search and rescue operation launched

A coastguard spokesperson said: "An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull. The RNLI's inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington are assisting, as well as Humber Rescue's inshore lifeboat.

"Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been sent as well as an air ambulance. Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also in attendance."