THE search for a man who went missing while trying to rescue a woman and a dog from the sea has been suspended.

The man, who entered the water next to the jetty in Burnham-on-Sea on Sunday afternoon (October 29), has been named as 68-year-old Peter Jeffery of Bath by the BBC.

His family said he “always put others first before himself as a beloved dad, brother and grampy” and will be “greatly missed by all”.

The woman and dog both managed to get to safety.

A Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team spokesperson said: “We were tasked with reports of a person who had entered the water to help their dog that was thought to be struggling in the current.

“Seeing the dog and owner in difficulty, a good Samaritan jumped in to help.

“While the dog and the owner managed to get to safety, the man who had rushed to help was no longer in sight.

“Despite an extensive search led by our team and senior Coastguard officers that included multiple Coastguard rescue teams, two Coastguard helicopters, BARB Hovercraft and lifeboats from Burnham and Weston, police and the police helicopter, nothing was found.

“After three days, the search was suspended but the incident remains open.

“It's human nature to want to help those in difficulty but sadly a high number of those who enter the water to help others become the casualty, even more so in the colder months of the year.

“We thank all the teams involved with this difficult incident and of course our amazing community for the support shown and the fantastic people who provided us with refreshments to keep us all going.”

A firework display that was scheduled to kick off carnival proceedings in Burnham and Highbridge tomorrow night has been postponed. 

Carnival clubs will reduce the volume of the music on their carts by 50 per cent as they head towards the Pier Street junction as a mark of respect.