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ALEXANDRU MELEI, 60, WAS VISITING THE UK WHEN HE HEARD THE GIRLS' SCREAMS AND RACED INTO THE WATER 15:26, 27 May 2025Updated 17:20, 27 May 2025 Ana-Maria Barbu, 36, has spoken of the
heartbreaking moment her father, Alexandru Melei, aged 60, passed away while attempting to save two twin girls from drowning in the sea during his visit to the UK. Ana-Maria recounted how
her mother held his hand as he slipped away after being overcome by the waves on the Promenade in Ingoldmells, near Skegness, Lincolnshire. She described the situation, saying: "My
mother and father were walking along the seashore when they heard the girls screaming, they were in distress. The girls lived near my father's friends, so they knew them. From what I
understand they had gone in the water together but had become separated when the water rose quickly. They were starting to panic, they were screaming and yelling for help. My father jumped
in to try to save one of them and his friend went to the other." Ana-Maria is now determined to bring her father's body back to his homeland of Romania to rest in peace. "His
friend managed to get the other girl out, but they were exhausted and they could see my dad was struggling. They had to do CPR on my father, my mum was there with him and was holding his
hand the entire time. They couldn't do anything to save him.", reports the Mirror. Ex-Army medic Alexandru and his wife of 38 years, Cornelia, 57, had recently arrived in the UK on
Friday for a break, staying with friends at the renowned tourist destination. A massive rescue operation ensued around 4pm on Sunday when Alexandru went into the water near the Promenade in
Ingoldmells, close to Skegness, Lincolnshire, in what turned into a Bank Holiday sorrow. Onlookers described the scene as police, coastguards and an air ambulance arrived, scrambling to
save the man's life while stunned holidaymakers looked on. Despite valiant attempts at resuscitation, Alexandru tragically passed away in hospital. Post-incident, the children were seen
in states of deep shock, comforted and warmed by blankets as bystanders observed. Ana-Maria, offering heartfelt words in an exclusive conversation, honoured her father's heroic
actions. She reflected: "I'm so proud of him, he was so brave. This is who he was, he was a medical assistant in the Romanian military for half his life, then was a medical
assistant in the hospital." Alexandru and Cornelia, who also have a 33 year old son, had just retired and started travelling the world. Ana-Maria shared: "They were just starting
to travel the world, my mum had been through chemotherapy last year and was in recovery, they were just starting to enjoy life and have fun. We are devastated." Ana-Maria added:
"We have been sent so many kind messages. People wanted me to set up a GoFundMe page so they could help bring his body home and also help my mother. People have been so kind." The
RNLI confirmed that it had launched the Skegness lifeboat during the incident. The coastguard and air ambulance were also present. In a statement, Lincolnshire Police 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. ". There are no lifeguards stationed
on the deserted beach where the tragedy occurred despite a long history of drownings. On the promenade which overlooks the beach where the children were playing, there is a sign with the
RNLI's number to ring in case of an emergency. The tragedy struck amidst the vibrant sounds of a karaoke stage at Bibby's beachfront bar, which may have drowned out the unfolding
crisis to the throngs of visitors enjoying the nearby food and drink stalls. A local recounted: "They turned off the karaoke as soon as someone realised something was wrong. But maybe
it was too late by then." As word of the perilous waters spread, families quickly vacated the bustling seafront promenade. The area, already adorned with floral tributes for past
victims of similar incidents, saw an increase in sombre memorials. Seafront vendor Liarna Holmes expressed her concerns, saying: "Lot of people don't know about the dangers. We
need lifeguards here. They have got them down in Skegness. But I have heard they were not out in Skegness yesterday either. There used to be lifeguards here and we should have them. There is
an accident every year." Holmes continued, highlighting the often underestimated hazards of the seaside: "There are flowers all along the prom in memory of those who have lost
their lives to the sea. I have been down here six years and three seasons working on the beach. People don't realise when the yellow flag is flying there is an offshore wind that takes
you straight out. Then you have the currents and riptides. It is quite a drop down and when the tide comes in and people don't realise how quickly it drops away." Article continues
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