Matthew McDavid’s partner said ‘the ocean was his happy place’Matthew McDavid and his partner Michelle Sigsworth(Image: Leeds Live)

The partner of a man swept away while swimming off the Yorkshire coast has paid moving tribute to the ‘great dad and partner’ who ‘loved the sea’.

Michelle Sigsworth, partner of Matthew McDavid, 42, told Leeds Live she wished people would “do a little extra” when they are walking along the cliffs around Thornwick Bay on the east Yorkshire coast.

Part of the eight mile promontory known as Flamborough Head, the coastline features rocky beaches and sheer white cliffs.

Michelle said that Matt went swimming on Wednesday (July 30) evening but never came back “as the weather suddenly turned”.

The coastguard has been unable to complete a full search for him due to the weather, she said, adding: “Because the weather is so rough at the moment, the divers cannot go into some of the caves where he might be. They are monitoring the weather but it’s like it’s working against us.

“That’s the problem we have got. The tide is against us at the moment. It’s a living nightmare. I just need people to do a little extra if they on the cliffs and to keep an eye out for him.”

HM Coastguard confirmed on Thursday evening (July 31) that the search, carried out via helicopter, aircraft and lifeboat, had een stood down shortly before 5pm.

The cliffs at Thornwick Bay. (Image: Flickr/Reading Tom)

Michelle and Matt met in Spain while she was there on holiday. They caught each other’s eyes in pub in a small village near Alicante, and kept in contact when Michelle returned home.

Matt eventually came to live with her, and they have since had two girls, Sophia Rose, 11, and Amelia, nine. “He is a really lovely man. He works really hard for me and the kids,” said Michelle.

“He is a brilliant guy who would do anything for the kids. He is absolutely amazing with the girls. He is a brilliant dad, even with my eldest daughter, and he treats her like his own. Everything they needed, he would give, and he worked so hard for them.”

Matt and Michelle were saving to return to Spain one day, she said. He was an avid Manchester United fan, “even if I’m a Leeds girl”, she joked, and loved growing vegetables and other fresh produce in the garden.

“Everybody loved him,” Michelle added. “There was never a bad word said about him. A great partner and a great dad.”

Matt was described as a ‘great dad'(Image: Leeds Live)

Particularly heart-breaking is how much Matt loved the ocean and swimming in the sea.

“He loved being in the ocean, he loved it in that sea,” Michelle said. “He would be in their every day, kayaking, bodyboarding, swimming. He went out for a swim because he absolutely loved it because that’s his happy place.”

Michelle wants to also raise awareness about the dangers of swimming at Thornwick Bay. She said she met a mum and young boy in the days following Matt’s disappearance and warned them of the conditions. “I told her ‘My partner went swimming on Wednesday and has been swept away. Please don’t go in’,” she said.

“It’s quite rocky there, and the current is strong. We need more signs at Thornwick Bay. It is a lot easier to get into the sea there now that they have extended the path, and there is no lifeguard there. People need to be careful.”

Authorities have confirmed the search did not locate and his body and has been stood down.

Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Our teams always strive to search, rescue, and save. Sadly, despite extensive efforts, the swimmer has not been found. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”