Withernsea sea hero Mark Ratcliffe may receive a posthumous award

Officials are exploring formal recognition for Withernsea grandfather Mark Ratcliffe after he died trying to rescue a woman and her daughter in the sea, and police say they are continuing to search for the missing teenager.

Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died after entering the sea at Withernsea while attempting to rescue 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and 15-year-old Grace Keeling, the BBC reports. Emergency services were alerted on Friday afternoon and a large search and rescue operation followed. The bodies of Mark Ratcliffe and Sarah Keeling were recovered; police say they are continuing efforts to locate Grace Keeling. Local officials are looking into formal recognition for Mr Ratcliffe's actions. Key facts: - Mark Ratcliffe entered the water at Withernsea trying to help Sarah Keeling, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15. - The bodies of Mark Ratcliffe and Sarah Keeling were recovered; police continue to search for Grace Keeling. - Emergency services were first alerted at 15:10 GMT and the response involved dozens of emergency workers and volunteers. - James Dick OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, said his office is contacting those involved in the awards process to determine the most appropriate recognition. Summary: Local officials and the Lord-Lieutenant's office are examining how to formally recognise Mark Ratcliffe after his death during the rescue attempt, and police continue search efforts for the missing teenager. HM Coastguard announced it had stood down its search, while police and underwater teams remain involved. The process for any award is being discussed by the Lord-Lieutenant's office and others involved in the honours system.