Major rescue mission launched after 'number of people' missing off Britain's coast

The RNLI at Withernsea confirmed to the press that the situation remained "ongoing" but declined to provide additional details.

Emergency services are still facing challenging conditions along the seafront, with no further updates available at this stage.

An HM Coastguard spokesman outlined the scale of the response: "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 Hornsea Inshore Rescue."

Medical resources have also been deployed to the scene, with Yorkshire Ambulance Service dispatching crews alongside an air ambulance.

Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are additionally in attendance, contributing to what has become a substantial multi-agency operation along the coastline.

Local photographer Darrin Stevens, who resides near the scene, described the seafront as "wall to wall" with emergency personnel.

He said: "It's very, very cold. We live by the sea so we know what it's like. The tide has been very rough all day."

Mr Stevens emphasised the brutal weather conditions he encountered whilst documenting the incident.

"It's been freezing cold - going out to take pictures my hands were frozen. If people are in the sea I fear for them," he told ITV News.

The severity of conditions at sea became evident when Hornsea Inshore Rescue revealed they were unable to deploy their vessel.

In a Facebook post, the organisation stated: "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."

Despite this setback, the team confirmed: "Our 4x4 vehicle (is) en route to Withernsea with casualty care crew."

Temperatures in the seaside town had plummeted to freezing point as the rescue efforts continued.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council had earlier activated its severe weather emergency protocol.

The latest incident comes after Matthew Upham, 63, and a second man in his 40s went missing during a Christmas swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon.

Several other swimmers were brought safely to shore, with one taken to hospital as a precaution.

The two men are said to have entered the water after spotting a woman struggling in the sea.

Mr Upham and the second swimmer, who has not been publicly named, vanished while attempting to help her.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter