The Castle Café in Withernsea captured a terrifying moment on CCTV when a teenage girl was swept out to sea by a massive wave, according to the café’s owner, Paul Whitehead. Despite efforts by a staff member to rescue her using a lifebelt, the girl was tragically pulled further out into the sea.
Tragedy struck off the East Yorkshire coast as two individuals lost their lives and another person went missing following the incident on Friday. Eyewitnesses recounted multiple people entering the water in a bid to save the girl. Sadly, a 67-year-old man rescued from the water passed away at the scene, and a second body was discovered later in the day, as reported by Humberside Police.
HM Coastguard initiated a search for the missing person at first light the next day, but the search was called off at 4 pm on Saturday and will not be resumed. Whitehead revealed that the café’s CCTV footage captured the girl on a set of steps before being swept away by a large wave into the water.
In response to social media criticism about people swimming in dangerous sea conditions, Whitehead expressed concern about the impact on affected families. He highlighted the courageous efforts of his staff members who rushed to the scene, with one entering the water in an attempt to rescue the girl but tragically falling short.
According to Whitehead, the girl was reportedly taking pictures on the steps when she was hit by a wave, prompting others to enter the water to assist. Despite the valiant rescue attempts, the girl was ultimately swept away. Flowers were placed at the scene in remembrance, as the community mourned the heartbreaking incident.
