A 67-year-old man has died after being pulled from the sea in a tragic incident on the East Yorkshire coast, after reportedly attempting to rescue two others in difficulty.
A Desperate Rescue Attempt
Mark Ratcliffe, aged 67, was retrieved unconscious from the water at Withernsea on Friday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the Central Promenade in the seaside resort at 3.15pm following reports of people in trouble in the water.
Witnesses described seeing individuals rushing into the treacherous conditions to help a young woman who had fallen in. Despite the efforts of rescuers, Mr Ratcliffe was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In an emotional statement, Mr Ratcliffe's family paid tribute to a beloved family man. They described him as "a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others."
"So many lives are now shattered that you’re gone," the family's tribute continued. "You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you for ever. A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you."
Ongoing Search and Investigation
The incident involved multiple people in the sea. A 45-year-old woman's body has also been recovered. A large-scale sea search for a third person, conducted by the coastguard, was stood down on Saturday afternoon.
Humberside Police confirmed that specialist officers are supporting Mr Ratcliffe's family. A police spokesperson indicated that residents would "continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as officers continue to search for the one remaining missing person."
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the UK's coastal waters, even during summer months, and highlights the extraordinary bravery of those who risk their lives to save others.
