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Grandfather who died trying to save others from sea remembered as 'selfless hero'
Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died in freezing, stormy seas trying to rescue a mother and daughter swept away by three-metre waves, police say one victim remains missing.
- Humberside Police named Mark Ratcliffe, who died on Friday, January 2, 2026, after being pulled unconscious from the sea in Withernsea during a rescue attempt of two people.
- Witnesses reported a huge wave washed a girl, around 15 years old, from the Pier Towers steps, prompting local parents and cafe staff to enter the water to help, including one who threw a life ring.
- An extensive search-and-rescue operation launched shortly after 3pm involved The Coastguard, RNLI, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, and Yorkshire Ambulance; searches paused at half past midnight on Saturday, resumed at half past six in the morning, and later suspended late on Saturday afternoon.
- Police confirmed a woman’s body was recovered and a second person later died, with one missing person still unlocated as searches continue, and Mr Ratcliffe's family are supported by specially trained officers.
- The town of Withernsea described itself as in mourning, with residents leaving flowers at Pier Towers, while Mr Ratcliffe’s family called him `A true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others.
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A monster wave swept a 45-year-old woman and her 15-year-old daughter out to sea. A 67-year-old man who tried to help them was also dragged into the water. Now two bodies have been found in the search, writes Sky News.
·Stockholm, Sweden
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Mum and daughter in Withernsea horror named after 'wave watching' ended in tragedy
Mother and daughter, Sarah Keeling, 45 and her 15-year-old daughter Grace were killed along with good Samaritan Mark Ratcliffe, 67, after the teenager was 'swept away' in Withernsea, East Yorkshire
·United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources40
Leaning Left8Leaning Right9Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 24%
C 50%
R 26%
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