Withernsea rescue
Two bodies were recovered from the water on Friday.Credit: Darrin Stevens

Two people have died and a third remains missing after a major search and rescue operation off the East Yorkshire coast.

A 67-year-old man was recovered from the water at Withernsea on Friday afternoon, 2 January, but later died at the scene, Humberside Police said.

A second body was pulled from the water on Friday night. No further details were provided about their identity.

A spokesperson added: “The circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.

“Humberside Police officers along with HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, remain in the area as searches continue for one more person who entered the water this afternoon.

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

The news came after HM Coastguard was called to reports of “a number of people in difficulty” at about 3.10pm.

Conditions on the coast were described as ‘horrendous’.Credit: Darrin Stevens

Along with police and the Coastguard, including a search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, the RNLI, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, air and land ambulances and fire and rescue services all responded to the incident in freezing conditions.

It is unclear how the people entered the water.

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said the incident was “terrible news”.

In a message to residents he added: “Please let emergency services do what they do best. Thoughts and prayers with everybody at this difficult time.”