A 67-year-old man has tragically lost his life following a coastal emergency in Withernsea, while a large-scale search and rescue operation remains underway for two other individuals reported missing in the water.
The incident began on Friday, 2 January 2026, when emergency services were alerted to reports of several people in difficulty in the sea near Central Promenade at approximately 3:10pm. A massive response was immediately triggered, drawing in resources from across the region to assist in the life-saving effort.
Humberside Police confirmed that, during the initial stages of the search, emergency responders recovered an unconscious man from the water. Despite the intensive efforts of medical teams at the scene, the 67-year-old man died a short time later. A spokesperson for Humberside Police stated that "the circumstances around his death are not thought to be suspicious".
As night fell on Friday, the search for the remaining two missing people continued with high intensity. HM Coastguard has coordinated a multi-agency response that includes:
- An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft.
- Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea, and Hull.
- RNLI lifeboats, including the inshore vessel from Withernsea and the all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington.
- Hornsea Inshore Rescue teams.
In addition to the maritime assets, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, an air ambulance, and crews from Humberside Fire and Rescue were deployed to the scene to provide support.
The promenade, usually a place for quiet coastal walks, has become the focal point of a major emergency operation. Humberside Police have maintained a significant presence in the area and have urged the public to keep their distance to ensure the rescue teams can work without hindrance.
"Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search continues," the police confirmed in a statement. They added a plea for cooperation from the public: "We would ask people to please avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely".
As of 9:40pm on Friday, the search remained ongoing, with teams battling the conditions to locate the two missing individuals.
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