Withernsea, Yorkshire – A 67-year-old man has died after being pulled unconscious from the sea off the East Riding of Yorkshire, as emergency services continue a search for two others believed missing. The tragic incident unfolded amid what witnesses described as “horrendous” conditions, with waves reaching nearly 10 feet.
Dangerous Conditions Hamper Search Efforts
A search is underway for two individuals following reports of people in difficulty in the water near Withernsea. Emergency services responded to reports of people in difficulty in the water just after 3 p.m. local time. Waves were reported to be almost 10 feet high, creating extremely challenging rescue conditions. Ambulances, helicopters, and aircraft were deployed to the scene, battling the severe weather.Photographer Darrin Stevens, whose office is just 250 meters from the coast, described the conditions as “bitter and freezing.”
HM Coastguard confirmed the ongoing search operation. The Royal national Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a stark warning about the risks associated with cold water shock, particularly given current sea temperatures.
- emergency services responded to reports of people in difficulty in the water just after 3 p.m. local time.
- Waves were reported to be almost 10 feet high, creating extremely challenging rescue conditions.
- The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has warned of the dangers of cold water shock.
- A similar incident occurred on New Year’s Day in Brighton, resulting in another fatality.
Gareth morrison, the head of water safety for the RNLI, emphasized the dangers of festive and winter swims.
Q: What are the dangers of swimming in cold water?
A: Cold water shock can cause a gasp reflex, hyperventilation, and even cardiac arrest. Combined with rough weather conditions and individual health issues, the risks are substantially increased, especially when sea temperatures are as low as 6C to 10C, as they are around the UK and Ireland at this time of year.
Morrison stated, “We know this time of year many people take part in festive and new year dips, or continue to take part in regular winter swims. We are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations.” He added that sea temperatures continue to drop,reaching their coldest around March,and these factors shoudl be taken seriously before entering the water.
This incident follows a similar tragedy on New Year’s Day in Brighton,where a 51-year-old man from Kettering,Northamptonshire,died after being recovered from the water to the west of Brighton Palace Pier. Sussex police were alerted at 10:35 a.m. on Thursday to the situation.
Authorities continue to urge caution and awareness when near the coast, particularly during the winter months.
