Tribute To 'Heroic' Majorca Drowning Victim

A man who drowned off the coast of Majorca while unsuccessfully trying to save his young son has been hailed as "truly heroic".

George Selby, 28, a shop worker from Hornchurch, Essex, and his son Louis, seven, died on the Spanish island on Saturday.

Mr Selby reportedly dived into the sea despite not being able to swim after his son was washed into the water at Cala Antena beach by a large wave.

In a statement released through the Foreign Office (FO) , the victim's mother, Christine Selby, said: "My son George Selby died trying to save his son Louis Selby.

"George was passionate about his wife Abigail and their three sons.

"This tragedy that has befallen this family has devastated the lives of his wife, sons, and mother. George, Louis and their family were - and still are - loved by all that knew them.

"Please allow us to grieve for our devastating loss of a truly heroic husband, father, son, brother. And Louis our little bear."

Lifeguards tried to save the pair, but the rest of the family looked on as their efforts proved fruitless.

A red flag warning beachgoers not to swim is believed to have been flying at the time.

Reports said the family had arrived for a holiday on the Balearic island just hours earlier.

Mr Selby's best friend, Graham Klerk, 31, was quoted as saying: "George could not swim but I honestly can't imagine him standing by the side and watching his son drown."

The Foreign Office said it was providing consular assistance to the family.