Leaving a touching and heartfelt tribute, the Ratcliffe family said Mark was “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 forever.
“A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you.”
Humberside Police also revealed that the body of a 45-year-old woman had also been recovered after the tragic incident; however, crews are still searching the North Sea for the remaining missing person.
Officers warned locals they may see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search goes on.
A force spokesperson said: “A man who died trying to help two people stuck in the sea in Withernsea on Friday, 2 January has been named by family as 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe.
“His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.”
Emergency services were first made aware of the three swept out to sea at 3pm on Friday when RNLI and HM Coastguard rescue helicopters and lifeboats were sent to scour the area.
RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea Inshore Rescue all assisted in the effort until 00.30am on Saturday.
The crews were briefly stood down until first light, where they continued to search until 4pm on January 3, when they were stood down.
