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 lost his life on Friday after entering the water at Withernsea to help Sarah Keeling, 45, and her daughter Grace, 15.
Sarah Keeling's body was recovered from the scene, while Grace remains missing. Humberside Police said specially trained officers are supporting both families.
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.'
Emergency services were called to Central Promenade at 3.15pm on Friday following reports of people in difficulty in the water. Witnesses said they saw people rushing to rescue a young woman who had fallen into a treacherous sea.
A police spokesperson said there would continue to be an increased police presence in the area as the search for Grace continues.
