'Selfless bravery' of man who tried to save mum and daughter

WAYS TO HONOUR VICTIMS CONSIDERED

- By DEBORAH HALL

Tributes laid at Pier Towers in Withernsea

THE “selfless bravery” of a 67-year-old grandfather, who tried to save a mother and daughter from the waves at Withernsea, is to be officially acknowledged, the Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding Mr Jim Dick OBE has said.

Mark Ratcliffe tragically lost his own life in the attempted rescue after he entered the water near Pier Towers, at Withernsea, on the afternoon of Friday, January 2, to help mother and daughter, Sarah Keeling, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15.

A multi-agency response was launched, led by HM Coastguard, following reports of people in difficulty in the water.

Mark was later pulled unconscious from the sea and despite efforts at the scene, he sadly died. The body of Sarah was later recovered from the water; the search is continuing for Grace.