Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died trying to help people in difficulty in the sea at Withernsea
A man who perished whilst attempting to rescue two individuals trapped in the waters off Withernsea on Friday (January 2) has been identified by relatives as 67 year old Mark Ratcliffe. Specially trained officers are continuing to provide support to his family.
In a heartfelt tribute to Mark, his loved ones declared: “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.”
They continued: “You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever. A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for.
“Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you.”
A Humberside Police representative confirmed that the body of a 45 year old woman had also been retrieved, reports Hull Live.
“Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as officers continue to search for the one remaining missing person,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Ratcliffe was pulled from the water unconscious following an extensive search and rescue mission involving The Coastguard, RNLI, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, and Yorkshire Ambulance, which commenced shortly after 3pm on Friday after reports emerged of “a number of people in difficulty in the sea”. Tragically, he passed away shortly afterwards.
It is believed a young girl was positioned on the Pier Towers steps when she was swept into the sea by a massive wave amid freezing conditions. Local café proprietor Paul Whitehead, whose CCTV footage recorded the incident, stated that the others who entered the water were attempting to save her.
A second individual was later confirmed deceased, with one person still unaccounted for. The initial search efforts were halted at 12.30am on Saturday and resumed at 6.30am amidst freezing, snowy conditions.
The operation was eventually called off late on Saturday afternoon. The third individual remains missing.
The community of Withernsea, described by heartbroken locals as ‘in mourning’, rallied together to assist those affected by the tragedy and the rescue operation, providing warm spaces and hot drinks, as well as emotional support.
