Overview

• Alexandru Melei, 60, entered the North Sea near the Promenade at Ingoldmells around 4 pm on May 25 after twin sisters screamed for help.
• Rescue crews from the RNLI lifeboat, coastguard and air ambulance worked to save him but he was overwhelmed by the swell and died during resuscitation efforts.
• No lifeguards patrol the beach where the tragedy occurred despite warning signs about strong currents and a history of drownings.
• His wife, Cornelia, held his hand as he died and their daughter Ana-Maria has shared the family’s account of his final moments.
• A GoFundMe page has collected nearly £10,000 to bring Melei’s body home to Romania and support his grieving family.