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3 hours ago
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Darrin Stevens
A search operation involving multiple emergency services is currently taking place in Withernsea, East Yorkshire
A search operation is under way due to a number of people in difficulty in the sea at Withernsea in East Yorkshire, HM Coastguard has said.
The incident was reported shortly after 15:00 GMT and a search involving a rescue helicopter and another aircraft was taking place, the Coastguard added.
The search also involves the RNLI's inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington, as well as Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service, including the air ambulance, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also in attendance.
Amanda White/BBC
Crews at the scene in Withernsea, where a cordon is in place
In a social media post, Hornsea Inshore Rescue said its 4x4 vehicle and casualty care crew were on the way to Withernsea to assist.
Darrin Stevens, who lives nearby, said he had witnessed lots of emergency vehicles and crews in the vicinity of the beach.
"It's just blue lights, wall-to-wall from one side to the other," he said.
Darrin Stevens
RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea Inshore Rescue are assisting in the search
He described the weather conditions as "bitter" and "freezing", with snow earlier and high waves at sea.
"It's not a good place to be in the sea," he added.
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