A 67-year-old man has died after attempting to rescue a mother and daughter from the sea in East Yorkshire, police have confirmed. Mark Ratcliffe was pulled unconscious from the water near Central Promenade in Withernsea on Friday and died at the scene.
Humberside Police said the body of Sarah Keeling, 45, was recovered on Friday, while her 15-year-old daughter Grace Keeling remains missing. The force stated that Ratcliffe, a member of the public, died trying to assist with the rescue.
In a tribute, 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.'
Emergency services were called to the scene at 3.15pm on Friday following reports of people in difficulty in the water. Witnesses reported seeing people rushing to rescue a young woman who had fallen into treacherous seas.
Police said there will continue to be an increased presence in the area as officers search for Grace Keeling. Both families are being supported by specially trained officers.
