Humberside Police have confirmed that a man who died after being pulled from the sea off the East Yorkshire coast on Friday was attempting to rescue a mother and her teenage daughter. Mark Ratcliffe, 67, was pronounced dead at the scene after being brought ashore unconscious from the water near Central Promenade in Withernsea.
The force named the mother as Sarah Keeling, 45, whose body was recovered from the sea on Friday. Her daughter, Grace Keeling, 15, remains missing after being washed away. Emergency services were called to the seaside resort at 3.15pm on Friday following reports of people in difficulty in the water.
In a statement, Humberside Police said both families were being supported by specially trained officers. The force also noted that an increased police presence would remain in the area while searches for Grace continue.
Mr Ratcliffe's family paid tribute to him as "a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others". They described him as a loving husband, father, son, brother and "the best grandad anybody could ever wish for", adding: "So many lives are now shattered that you're gone."
Witnesses reported seeing people rushing into the water to rescue a young woman who had fallen into a treacherous sea. A police spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing.
