Wednesday 5th August 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
A body has been recovered following extensive overnight searches carried out by regional emergency services after a 13-year-old boy was reported missing in the sea on Tuesday evening.
Humberside Police, HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, and Bridlington RNLI Lifeboat 13‑22 were all involved in the multi‑agency response after reports that the teenager had got into difficulty while swimming shortly after 6pm on Tuesday, 4th August.
Chief Superintendent Phil Booker said specialist Police Search Advisors (POLSA), the force’s Marine Unit and drone pilots were immediately deployed to assist in a large-scale coastal search operation.
Despite intensive efforts from all agencies, the search ended tragically when a body was recovered from the water at around 4.30am on Wednesday, 5th August. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, police believe the body to be that of the missing boy. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Chief Superintendent Booker said: “This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this devastating time. Emergency services worked tirelessly throughout the evening and into the early hours, but tragically not everyone can be saved. His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.”
Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team, who were among those involved in the operation, expressed their condolences: “From the outset, every effort was made to locate the casualty and bring them to safety. Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, not everyone can be saved. For those of us who volunteer to help others, that is an incredibly difficult reality and it breaks our hearts when we cannot achieve the outcome we so desperately want. Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends.”
Police enquiries continue, and anyone with information is asked to contact Humberside Police on 101, quoting log 415 of 4th August.
