A 67-year-old man who died after being pulled from the sea in East Yorkshire was attempting to rescue a mother and her teenage daughter, police have confirmed.
Mark Ratcliffe, from Withernsea, was pulled unconscious from the water on Friday afternoon and died at the scene. The body of Sarah Keeling, 45, was also recovered, while her daughter Grace Keeling, 15, remains missing.
Humberside Police said the incident occurred at Central Promenade in Withernsea at around 3.15pm on Friday. Witnesses reported seeing people rushing into the water to rescue a young woman who had fallen into a treacherous sea.
In a tribute, Mr Ratcliffe's family described him as 'a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others'. They added: 'So many lives are now shattered that you're gone. You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you for ever.'
Police said specially trained officers are supporting both families, and there will be an increased police presence in the area as the search for Grace continues.
