UK seashore emergency as main search launched for folks ‘in problem’ in water
Coastguard helicopters, RNLI lifeboats, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Police are conducting a major search and rescue operation at Withernsea after reports of people in difficulty
A significant rescue operation has been launched for a “number of people” who have found themselves in trouble at Withernsea.
The Coastguard, RNLI, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Police are all involved in the search efforts.
A representative for HM Coastguard reported: “HM Coastguard is responding to reports made at about 3:10pm on [January 2] of a number of people in difficulty in the water at Withernsea. An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have been dispatched, along with 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.”, reports the Mirror.
“Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been sent as well as an air ambulance. Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also in attendance.”
This comes just one week after two men vanished on a Christmas day swim. Emergency crews rushed to the shoreline at 10.25am after receiving reports that several people were struggling in the sea.
Hundreds had flocked to the beaches in Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth for their festive Christmas Day plunges, despite weather warnings for fierce winds battering the area.
As crowds waded into the waters at Budleigh, numerous emergency services were scrambled when several swimmers found themselves in peril. Several individuals were rescued and a comprehensive search operation was initiated for the two missing men, involving Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay, along with coastguard search and rescue helicopters.
After nearly seven hours of thorough searches, Devon and Cornwall Police sadly confirmed that the men were still missing, and their families had been informed.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media on Boxing Day, one of the victims named Matthew Upham was tributed by his family.
It read: “Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed. We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.”
“We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support. As we grieve and support one another, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected.
“We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness, and condolences.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .
