Man dies after being pulled from sea off UK coast as searches continue

Two people have been recovered from the sea off the east Yorkshire coast, including a 67-year-old man who later died at the scene, police say.

Humberside Police did not provide the gender or age of the second body they recovered in Withernsea, but said the circumstances are not suspicious and searches continue for one more person who entered the water.

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.

Amanda White/BBC Lifeboat crews on a ramp to the beach area at Withernsea. They are dressed in yellow and black and are wearing helmets. There is a parked police car in the foreground. — Crews at the scene in Withernsea, where a cordon is in place

The 67-year-old unconscious man was pulled from the water at the central promenade in Withernsea, and despite the efforts of paramedics died at the scene.

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

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

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

Paul Murphy/BBC Long exposure shot of a helicopter in flight at Withernsea. It is dark and there is a bright light emitting from the helicopter as it flies along the shoreline. — A Coastguard helicopter searching the area at 21:00 GMT

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.