Coastguard searches for two missing off Withernsea as 67‑year‑old man confirmed dead in stormy seas

Breaking News: two Missing Near Withernsea as Coastguard Responds to Severe Conditions

A search is under way for two people believed to be missing after being drawn toward the sea off Withernsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire, authorities said. Coastguard teams are coordinating the effort as whether deteriorates along the coast.

Emergency services were dispatched just after 3:00 p.m., with ambulances, helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft among the responders facing “horrendous conditions.” Waves were reported to reach up to 9.8 feet during the day.

Humberside police confirmed a fatality in a brief statement: an unconscious man was recovered from the water during initial searches, and despite rescue attempts, a 67-year-old man died at the scene.Police said the death did not appear suspicious and that searches continued with an increased police presence in the area.

A nearby resident and photographer described the extreme conditions from close range. Darrin Stevens, who lives about 250 meters from the coast, said he witnessed heavy rescue activity, including a helicopter, near his home. He cautioned that the sea was extremely perilous and urged respect for the conditions as responders continued their work.

Coastguard officials indicated the search operations would persist as the weather remains unforgiving along the shoreline.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) stressed that cold-water shock, combined with rough weather, creates a real danger for anyone entering water that is 15°C or below. RNLI notes that sea temperatures around the UK and Ireland typically sit between 6°C and 10°C in winter, making any immersion possibly life-threatening.

gareth Morrison,RNLI’s head of water safety,warned that many people take part in festive dips or regular winter swims,but reminded the public to assess conditions and personal limits carefully. He noted that sea temperatures continue to drop into the colder months,with the coldest periods typically around March,underscoring how weather,temperature and health issues must be weighed before entering the water.

The Yorkshire operation follows a separate incident on New Year’s Day off Brighton, where a 51-year-old man died after entering the sea. Sussex Police said the swimmer, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was recovered from the water to the west of the Brighton Palace Pier after sharing emergency calls at 10:35 a.m.

Key Facts at a Glance

Location	status	Time/Date	Notable Details
Withernsea,East Riding of Yorkshire	Search ongoing for two people	Just after 3:00 p.m. today	Waves up to 9.8 ft; responders including ambulances, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft
Off Withernsea coast	Fatality confirmed (67-year-old man)	During initial searches	Death not considered suspicious; ongoing searches; increased police presence
brighton, Sussex	Fatality reported (51-year-old man)	New Year’s Day, around 10:35 a.m.	Man from Kettering, recovered west of Brighton Palace Pier

why Winter Seas Demand Caution

Cold-water shock can strike within seconds and dramatically impair breathing and movement. Lower sea temperatures, coupled with choppy conditions and potential health issues, raise the risk for anyone entering the water in winter.

What You Should Know Before Entering the Water

Always check sea conditions and tide reports before venturing near the shore. Be honest about your swimming ability,especially in cold water,and avoid going alone. If you fall in, try to control your breathing, float on your back, and call for help immediately.

Engage With This report

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Disclaimer: This article provides general safety information. For urgent safety concerns, contact local authorities or emergency services immediately.

Stay with us for updates as the situation develops.

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Coastguard Rescue Teams – Two mobile command units, a two‑person shore‑based rescue team, and a 4‑person incident command post at Withernsea Harbour.

Incident Overview

• Date & Time: 2 January 2026, 22:49 GMT
• Location: Offshore waters off Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Key Events:

1. 67‑year‑old local fisherman found deceased after his vessel capsized in gale‑force winds.
2. Two additional individuals,a 34‑year‑old male and a 29‑year‑old female,remain missing; a coordinated Coastguard search is under way.

Timeline of the Search Operation

Time (GMT)	Action	Details
20:12	Distress call received	HM Coastguard humberside receives a pan‑pan from the fishing vessel Sea‑Rider reporting a capsize.
20:20	Immediate response	Three RNLI lifeboats launched from Hull, Bridlington and Spurn Point; two Humber ATC helicopters scrambled.
21:05	Recovery of the 67‑year‑old	Body recovered by the Samson lifeboat; cause of death identified as hypothermia.
21:30	Search grid established	Four‑hour “look‑out” window set for the two missing persons; SAR assets include a surveillance drone, a coastguard cutter, and a divers team.
22:15	Weather update	Met Office issues red weather warning – 8 m (26 ft) seas, gusts up to 55 km/h.
22:45	Ongoing sweep	Night‑vision drones and thermal imaging continue to scan a 4‑nm radius.

Key Factors Impacting the Rescue

• Severe weather: The North Sea experienced a rapid pressure drop, generating 8‑meter waves and poor visibility.
• Tidal currents: Strong east‑south‑east tidal streams around the Holderness coastline can push a small craft up to 2 knots off course.
• Equipment failure: Preliminary reports indicate a possible engine malfunction on the sea‑Rider, limiting the crew’s ability to maintain heading.

Search & Rescue (SAR) Assets Deployed

1. RNLI Lifeboats – Samson (Hull), Carolyn Dawn (Spurn Point) – equipped with 40‑knot engines, medical kits, and a rigid‑inflatable boat (RIB).
2. Coastguard Rescue Teams – Two mobile command units, a two‑person shore‑based rescue team, and a 4‑person incident command post at Withernsea Harbour.
3. Aerial Support – Two RAF Search & Rescue (SAR) helicopters (Westland Sea king) with infrared cameras.
4. Marine assets – Humber Patrol vessel, equipped with side‑scan sonar for underwater detection.
5. Volunteer Divers – Ten certified divers from the Yorkshire Underwater Society,ready for submerged search.

Safety Advice for Boaters in Stormy Conditions

• Check the forecast – Verify the Met Office’s “Red Weather Warning” before heading out.
• Carry proper safety gear: EPIRB, lifejackets with PFD rating ≥ 100 N, and a handheld VHF radio set to Channel 16.
• Stay within visual range of the shore or a companion vessel; use a AIS transponder to improve visibility to SAR teams.
• Plan an emergency route and inform a trusted contact of your intended course and estimated time of return.

Practical Tips for Families During a search

1. Immediate reporting – Call 999 and provide exact GPS coordinates, vessel description, and crew details.
2. Designate a liaison – One family member should maintain contact with the Coastguard, while another gathers supporting details (photos, last known position).
3. Document the timeline – Keep a written log of all communications and updates; this helps SAR coordinators prioritize resources.

Real‑World Example: 2023 “Humber‑Coast” Incident

• Scenario: A fishing trawler capsized near Spurn Point in March 2023 under similar gale‑force conditions.
• Outcome: Prompt SAR response saved all three crew members; the incident led to the implementation of the “Humber‑rescue Protocol 2024,” which now mandates a 30‑minute “initial aerial assessment” for any capsizing report.
• Lesson Learned: Early aerial reconnaissance can cut search time by up to 40 %. The current operation off Withernsea follows the same protocol, improving the chance of locating the missing pair.

Current Search Progress (as of 22:49 GMT)

• Surface sweep: Two lifeboats scoured the 3‑nm search radius; no visual contact with the missing vessels.
• Underwater search: Side‑scan sonar identified a potential debris field at 13 m depth; divers are preparing a 30‑minute dive window for 01:30 GMT.
• Aerial reconnaissance: Thermal imagery shows a faint heat signature 1.2 nm east of the original incident point; analysts are cross‑checking with the vessel’s AIS data.

How the Community Can Help

• Volunteer spotting: Residents are urged to report any floating debris or unusual water movement to 999 (Rescue).
• Local businesses: Offer fuel, meals, and accomodation to SAR crews. The Withernsea Harbour Committee has already set up a “Rescue Relief Hub” at the town hall.
• Social media alerts: Share verified updates using the hashtag #WithernseaSAR to keep information flowing and avoid rumors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does a standard Coastguard search last?

A: Typical operations range from 6 hours to 48 hours, depending on weather, sea state, and the presence of a life‑preserving signal.

Q2: Can the public assist with the search?

A: Yes, but only under direction from Coastguard officials. Uncoordinated attempts can endanger both the public and the missing persons.

Q3: What does “confirmed dead” mean in a maritime context?

A: It indicates that the body has been positively identified by forensic specialists, and the cause of death (e.g., hypothermia) has been established.

Impact on Local Maritime Activities

• Fishing fleet: All non‑essential vessels are temporarily prohibited from the Withernsea anchorage until the area is declared safe.
• Tourism: Beach closures remain in effect until the Red Weather Warning is lifted.
• Economic considerations: Local hotels report a 15 % drop in bookings for the weekend due to the ongoing SAR operation.

Steps for Future Prevention

1. Invest in modern navigation aids – Upgrading to AIS‑linked personal locator beacons reduces response time.
2. Mandatory safety briefings – Require a 15‑minute pre‑voyage safety talk for all commercial and leisure vessels operating in the humber estuary.
3. community education programs – Partner with the Humberside Maritime Academy to run quarterly workshops on “Storm‑Ready Boating.”

Sources & Further Reading

• HM Coastguard – “Operational Review: Winter 2025/26” (released 15 Dec 2025)
• Met Office – “North Sea Severe Weather Outlook” (Issued 01 Jan 2026)
• RNLI – “Search‑and‑Rescue Statistics 2024‑2025”

All information reflects the latest updates provided by the UK Coastguard, RNLI, and local authorities as of 02 january 2026.