Paul Whitehead says he has now been able to supply CCTV footage to police of the dreadful event that unfolded
The owner of a café on Withernsea’s seafront has spoken of the “tragic accident” that has rocked the seaside resort. A day after the deaths of two people were confirmed, and with a search for a third still missing in the sea stood down this afternoon (Saturday, January 3), Paul Whitehead, of the Castle Café, wanted to speak out after seeing comments about the tragedy on social media.
“This is literally a tragic accident,” said Paul, who yesterday revealed how a member of his staff braved the freezing waters to try to help the rescue efforts. “I have just last night been able to review our CCTV footage from outside the café.
“There is a three-minute video I have been able to share with police. It shows a woman and a girl at Pier Towers and then the scene that unfolded from then, at 12 minutes past three yesterday afternoon.
He said the girl was on the steps and was hit by a big wave, which knocked her into the water.
“Then it was just people trying to rescue her.” Paul said he wanted to speak out after learning of posts on social media criticising people for “paddling” or “swimming” in the sea when conditions were atrocious.
READ MORE: Withernsea tragedy – search for third person stood down after two deaths confirmed
“This could cause so much upset and sadness to these families,” he said. A 67-year-old man was the first victim to be pulled from the sea; Humberside Police confirmed shortly before 10pm on Friday that he had tragically died.
Later, just before 11.30pm, the police spokesperson confirmed a second death, though no gender or age was given, and said searches were continuing for one more person – no details of their identity have been given – who had gone into the water. The emergency response continued today, with multiple agencies helping in the operation, but the search was stood down at 4pm, said HM Coastguard, leading in the response.
Paul said: “The RNLI lads from Withernsea, they are all volunteers, they were amazing yesterday. They were the first to get to launch, at the risk to themselves, in that rough sea. Everyone was amazing.
“We’ve been offering tea, coffee and hugs to anyone who has needed it. We’ve been trying to support everyone in that way.
“I am sitting here now with a Catholic priest. There has been every priest, vicar, minister down to offer support.
“I am sure that has been of comfort to anyone of any faith, or no faith.” Paul previously said how Castle Café is right opposite where the incident unfolded.
“Two of my staff ran across when they heard a commotion – and one of them went in the sea with the woman to try to help the girl, and was so close to rescuing her, but just as she was trying to reach the lifebelt ring, she was taken away.”
Paul said he understood the girl had gone down the steps to take pictures and that people went into the water to try to get to her, after she was knocked off the steps by a wave. “There were people coming across to us who had gone in the sea to try to help,” he said.
“My staff member is okay but very shaken up, as you can imagine.” Flowers have been laid at the scene this afternoon.