Overview
- HM Coastguard stood down its extensive effort on Saturday afternoon after shoreline searches resumed at first light for one missing person.
- Humberside Police were called to Central Promenade around 3:15pm on Friday; a 67-year-old man was recovered unconscious and died, and a second body was found later that evening.
- Police say the circumstances of the two deaths are not believed to be suspicious as multi‑agency teams continued to support families and manage the scene.
- Severe conditions complicated the operation, with three‑metre‑plus waves, snow and freezing temperatures; Hornsea Inshore Rescue initially could not launch, and local reports said RNLI crew suffered minor injuries.
- Witnesses reported the incident began when a teenage girl was swept from steps near the Pier Towers, prompting bystanders to enter the water, and relatives have identified the 67‑year‑old as Mark Ratcliffe.