Man pulled from sea dies as searches continue in Withernsea

A 67-year-old man has died after being recovered from the sea off the East Yorkshire coast as searches continue, police say.

Humberside Police said the unconscious man was pulled from the water at the central promenade in Withernsea, and despite the efforts of paramedics died at the scene.

HM Coastguard had earlier said it was searching for two people after initially responding to reports of a “number of people in difficulty in the water”.

The incident was reported at 15:10 GMT, resulting in a major search involving a rescue helicopter, air ambulance and RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.

A police spokesperson said the circumstances around the man’s death were not thought to be suspicious, and searches were ongoing.

“Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search continues,” they said.

“We would ask people to please avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.”

Hornsea Inshore Rescue earlier said it had faced “horrendous conditions” and there had been 9.8ft (3m) waves.

A large cordon that was in place has been lifted and the operation involved about 100 members of the emergency services, including Yorkshire Ambulance and Humberside Fire and Rescue.

BBC reporter Danny Savage at the scene said it was a high tide and the light had faded fast.

He said: “It’s freezing with the windchill factor and it would not get light until much later in the morning at this time of year.”