A “great dad” who went swimming at Thornwick Bay was swept away, as his wife speaks out of her “living nightmare”. Michelle Sigsworth, partner of Matthew McDavid, 42 – known as ‘Matt’ – has paid tribute to the man who “everyone loved”. She is now calling on locals to “do a little extra” when walking along the cliff tops around the Bay after emergency services stood down their search for the dad-of-two.
Matt never returned after going swimming on July 30 “as the weather suddenly turned”. Due to the conditions, the coastguard has been unable to complete a full search for the dad. “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,” Michelle explained.
“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.”
The couple met 12 years ago in Spain near Alicante. After Michelle returned home, she kept in contact with Matt, who lived in Spain, before he moved to the UK to live with her.
They have two girls, Sophia Rose, 11, and Amelia, nine, as well as Michelle’s third daughter from a previous relationship. “He is a really lovely man. He works really hard for me and the kids,” she told YorkshireLive.
“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.”
Michelle added: “Everybody loved him. There was never a bad word said about him. A great partner and a great dad.”
The mum-of-three explained that Matt loved being in the sea, kayaking, bodyboarding and swimming. It was his “happy place”, she said.
Michelle is now raising awareness about the dangers of swimming in Thornwick Bay due to its rocky seabed and strong currents.
“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,” she said.
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.”