A rescue operation has been launched following reports of “a number of people” in trouble in the sea off the East Yorkshire coast.
HM Coastguard said reports were received at at about 3.10pm on Friday 2 January of an incident off Withernsea.
A spokesperson said: “An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull.
“The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington are assisting, as well as Humber Rescue’s inshore lifeboat.
“Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been sent as well as an air ambulance. Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also in attendance.”
ITV News spoke to the RNLI at Withernsea and was told that the incident was “ongoing” at 5pm and there would be no further comment.
In a post on Facebook Hornsea Inshore Rescue indicated that conditions were treacherous.
It said: “Called out, unable to launch lifeboat due to horrendous conditions and three metre waves breaking on our slipway which would knock the tractor and trailer sideways off the ramp.
“Our 4×4 vehicle [is] en route to Withernsea with casualty care crew.”
The incident comes as temperatures in the seaside town, which is about 18 miles east of the city of Hull, dropped to freezing.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council had earlier said its severe weather emergency protocol was in place.
More to follow.
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