Body Recovered In Search For Missing Teenage Boy In Hornsea

A body believed to be that of a missing 13-year-old boy has been recovered from the water following a major multi-agency search operation off the coast of Hornsea.

A major search operation for a missing 13-year-old boy who got into difficulty while swimming off the Hornsea coast has tragically ended with the recovery of a body.

Emergency responders converged on the South Promenade shortly after 6pm on Tuesday evening following urgent reports regarding a concern for safety in the water.

An extensive overnight rescue effort was immediately launched across the coastline. The search involved specialist marine units and drone pilots from Humberside Police, working alongside teams from HM Coastguard, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

The multi-agency search concluded in the early hours of Wednesday morning when search teams recovered a body from the sea at around 4.30am.

While formal identification has not yet been completed, authorities believe the deceased is the missing teenager. Specially trained officers are currently supporting the boy's family through the devastating news.

Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is now being prepared for the Coroner.

Chief Superintendent Phil Booker said:

"This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this devastating time.

Emergency services were called to the South Promenade in Hornsea shortly after 6pm yesterday following report of a concern for safety involving a 13-year-old boy who had got into difficulty whilst swimming in the water.

An extensive search operation was launched involving specialist Humberside search officers including our Marine Unit and drone pilots, alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

Tragically, at around 4.30am this morning (Wednesday, 5 August), a body was recovered from the water.

His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.

We know the sadness and concern this will cause in the community, and we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.

I would like to thank all of the emergency services involved in the search, along with members of the public for their support and cooperation."

Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team said:

"Following yesterday’s search, which continued into the early hours of this morning, our thoughts are with the casualty’s family and friends at this incredibly distressing time.

From the outset, every effort was made to locate the casualty and bring them to safety. Our team worked alongside colleagues from across the emergency services, carrying out an extensive search.

Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, not everyone can be saved. For those of us who volunteer to help others, that is an incredibly difficult reality and it breaks our hearts when we cannot achieve the outcome we so desperately want.

Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends, and we thank the public for their cooperation and support while emergency services carried out the search."

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Hornsea Town Council have expressed their sadness at the news saying:

"It is with great sadness that we hear of the tragic outcome of the incident in Hornsea.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and loved ones of the teenage boy at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating loss.

We would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the emergency services involved, including Hornsea Inshore Rescue, HM Coastguard, Humberside Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and all the other people involved, for their tireless efforts and professionalism throughout the response."

Stephen Prescott – Mayor 
Nick Cox – Deputy Mayor