Bank Holiday tragedy as 'hero' tourist dies after wading into sea to save two kids

A tourist who died after wading into the sea to save two stricken children at a holiday hotspot has been described as "heroic and selfless".

The Bank Holiday tragedy occurred after the 60-year-old holidaymaker fought to reach a pair of youngsters who "appeared to be in distress" in the swell. A huge rescue mission was launched at around 4pm yesterday after he entered the sea at a "treacherous" stretch of beach close to the Promenade in Ingoldmells, near Skegness, .

Eyewitnesses revealed how an air ambulance was deployed while and fought to save the man's life as horrified beachgoers watched on. However despite desperate efforts to revive him, it's understood he died at the scene.

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The children - who emerged unharmed from the incident - were left "in terrible shock and wrapped in blankets" after the incident, according to people watching nearby. One person posted online: “Deepest sympathies with the gentleman's loved ones. How very tragic for all involved such a heroic and selfless act to end in such a tragic and heartbreaking way.

“Also thinking of the two children and their families too. What a terrifying and traumatic experience for them. Absolutely so sad to think all involved were just trying to enjoy the bank holiday weekend and now be left traumatised and a family grieving and heartbroken over losing their brave beloved family member.”

Another added: “Such an heroic act with a heartbreaking outcome. Godbless you, sir. Hope the children are safe." Another woman said: "What a brave man, to risk his own life to save those children. A real hero. Condolences to his family, hope they can take comfort in knowing he died a hero's death."

One onlooker said: "We were there having a drink nearby and heard sirens. The air ambulances and coast guard sped down. The children were in the back of an ambulance, in terrible shock and wrapped in blankets."

Cops would not comment on unconfirmed reports last night naming him as a Romanian citizen who was on holiday with his wife at the time of the incident. However holidaymakers who packed the beach told how the children were treated in the back of ambulances after the tragedy.

A postmortem is yet to take place to determine the man's exact cause of death. The RNLI confirmed it had launched the Skegness lifeboat during the incident. The coastguard and air ambulance were also in attendance.

In a statement, said: “A 60-year-old man has sadly died after entering the water to help two children who appeared to be in distress. The man reportedly entered the sea just after 4pm close to the Promenade in Ingoldmells, he got into difficulty and sadly died at the scene. Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this very sad time. “

Ingoldmells is a popular seaside destination three miles north from the resort town of Skegness. The village is not only home to Butlins Skegness, but amusement park Fantasy Island, which is home to Europe's largest seven day market.