Search under way for people ‘in difficulty’ in sea in Withernsea

HM Coastguard said a search operation was continuing at Withernsea in East Yorkshire due to the large number of people stranded at sea.

The incident was reported shortly after 15:00 GMT and a search was carried out involving a rescue helicopter and another aircraft, the Coast Guard added.

The search also involves the RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington, as well as Hornsea Coastal Rescue.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service, including the air ambulance, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also taking part.

Hornsea Inshore Rescue said in a social media post that its 4×4 vehicle and casualty care team were on their way to Withernsea to assist.

Darrin Stevens, who lives nearby, said he witnessed multiple emergency vehicles and crews near the beach.

“It’s just wall-to-wall blue lights from one side to the other,” he said.

He described the weather conditions as “bitter” and “freezing”, with snow earlier and high waves at sea.

“It’s not a good place to be at sea,” he added.