One person has died and two others have gone missing in freezing waters off the East Yorkshire coast.
Emergency crews have swarmed the coastline at Withernsea following reports of ‘a number of people’ in difficulty in the water shortly after 3pm.
A rescue helicopter was deployed as part of the search, which also involves RNLI crews, police, paramedics, an air ambulance and firefighters.
Humberside Police confirmed this evening that a 67-year-old man has died after being pulled from the sea, while searches are ongoing for two other people.
In a statement, police said: ‘During the initial searches, emergency services recovered an unconscious man from the water.
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‘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.’
Local charity Hornsea Inshore Rescue described the conditions as ‘horrendous’ in a Facebook post.
The service said: ‘Called out, unable to launch lifeboat due to horrendous conditions…
‘… three metre waves breaking on our slipway which would knock the tractor and trailer sideways off the ramp.
‘Our 4×4 vehicle on route to Withernsea with casualty care crew.’
The search comes as a Met Office a yellow warning for snow and ice for the area is in place until the end of Saturday.
Speaking to the BBC, local Darrin Stevens said the weather is ‘bitter’ and ‘freezing’ by the beach, adding: ‘It’s not a good place to be, in the sea.’
He said of the emergency response: ‘It’s just blue lights, wall-to-wall from one side to the other.’
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: ‘HM Coastguard is responding to reports made at about 3.10pm of a number of people in difficulty in the water at Withernsea.
‘A 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 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.’
Humberside Fire and Rescue asked residents and visitors to avoid the area to help rescuers get in and out.
A spokesperson said: ‘There are emergency vehicles around the central promenade area of Withernsea.
‘We ask if people can avoid this area if at all possible and to take care because emergency vehicles will be moving in the area.’
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