Skegness RNLI volunteers assist in tragic sea rescue operation

RNLI volunteers from Withernsea, Bridlington and Skegness lifeboat stations were tasked by HM Coastguard at around 3.30pm on Friday, January 2, to assist with reports of people in difficulty in the water.

In a statement, Skegness RNLI said lifeboat crews were involved in the recovery of two casualties, while boats from all three stations continued searching the water for one remaining missing person.

“Conditions at sea were extremely difficult with three-metre waves, strong winds and very cold air temperatures,” the statement said.

Following extensive offshore and shoreline searches, the operation was stood down at around 12.30am. Search efforts resumed at first light on Saturday, January 3, with RNLI volunteers from Withernsea searching the shoreline on foot alongside partner agencies in challenging snowy conditions. HM Coastguard later stood down the search at around 4pm.

Skegness RNLI said a wide range of agencies were involved in the response, including HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue.

“We would like to thank members of the public who assisted and supported the emergency services, and recognise the professionalism, coordination and commitment shown by all agencies during a prolonged and demanding response,” the statement said.

Tribute was also paid to RNLI volunteers, including those from Skegness, who spent many hours at sea in hazardous conditions, as well as those who supported the operation back at the lifeboat stations.

“We’d also like to acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers, who spent many hours at sea in challenging conditions, and all those who supported back at the stations,” Skegness RNLI added.

“This is a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families, friends and all those impacted.”