URGENT UPDATE: Two people have tragically died while attempting to rescue a 15-year-old girl swept away by powerful waves at Central Promenade in Withernsea, East Yorkshire. The incident occurred around 3:15 PM on Friday, January 2, 2023, when the girl was overpowered by the sea while descending the Pier Towers concrete steps.
Witnesses report that the girl “went under” as locals and her parents rushed to help. A 67-year-old man who jumped into the water was pulled out unconscious and sadly pronounced dead at the scene. A second body was recovered later that evening, while a third individual remains missing, raising the stakes in this developing tragedy.
Emergency services, including Humberside Police, HM Coastguard, and Yorkshire Ambulance Service, are on-site conducting extensive searches. Paul Whitehead, owner of the nearby Castle Cafe, recounted the chaotic moments as he and his staff attempted to aid the girl. “One of my staff threw her a life ring,” he said. “But she was hit by a wave and couldn’t hold on.”
Local resident Karen Higgs, 66, described the desperate scene as she witnessed the girl struggling in the water. “We were all shouting at her to catch it,” she recalled. “She just didn’t.”
Search efforts were halted at 12:30 AM on Saturday, but officials confirmed they will resume at first light with coastguard rescue teams and partner agencies conducting additional searches of the area. In a statement, the coastguard confirmed that conditions were “horrendous,” with three-meter waves making rescue operations extremely challenging.
Authorities have stated that the circumstances surrounding both deaths are not suspicious. Humberside Police are urging the public to avoid the area to facilitate ongoing rescue operations.
As this tragic story unfolds, local charity Hornsea Inshore Rescue reported being called to assist but faced severe conditions that prevented them from launching their lifeboat initially. They later confirmed they were able to deploy for service.
The community is left in shock as they mourn the loss of life while hoping for the safe return of the missing individual. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
