A man has been pulled from the water in a popular UK seaside town, with the family of a 75-year-old male informed of the tragedy. Police were called shortly after 6pm on Sunday, February 8, following reports of a man in the water at Khyber Pass in Whitby.
They attended alongside fire crews, HM Coastguard, the RNLI, ambulance crews and the air ambulance. Members of the public brought the man out of the water, but despite the efforts of emergency services he was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification is yet to be completed, but officers have informed the family of a 75-year-old man from Middlesbrough. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire police said: “Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.” The force believes there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The force also thanked members of the public for their help- including those who directly intervened.
A spokesperson added: “We would like to thank everyone involved, especially the members of the public who risked their own safety in an effort to save him.”
Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team said it was called to a “critical incident” at the West Pier slipway shortly after 6pm on Sunday following reports of a person in difficulty in the water.
The team also confirmed members of the public were involved before rescuers arrived and thanked those who tried to help, adding “The coastline can be extremely hazardous, and we would always encourage people to prioritise their own safety and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as early as possible.”
Despite the rescue effort, the incident had what the team described as a “sad outcome”. A statement added: “Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the family, witnesses and responders.”
The coastguard also asked people to avoid speculation online, including sharing images or footage that could cause further distress.
