A MAN has died after trying to explore a shipwreck on a UK beach with his granddaughter as his heartbroken family pay tribute. Raymond Mills, 74, tragically lost his life on Brancaster beach, in Norfolk, on August 17 last year. An inquest at Norfolk Coroner's Court heard the beloved grandfather had been caught out by the tide while walking to the SS Vina.
![[Wreck of the SS Vina at Brancaster beach.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wreck-ss-vina-brancaster-holidaymaker-966277790.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The wreck, a "well-known local tourist attraction" sits abandoned about 800 metres off the main beach and is exposed at low water. Mr Mills had planned the trip but was trapped in strong currents close to the ship, as reported by the EasternDailyPress.
The inquest heard he disappeared under the water when he entered an area known as Wreck Sands, infamous for strong tides. His granddaughter managed to get back to the shore safely and a search mission was launched at around 1.30pm. Mr Mills was found in the water by a helicopter at around 2.30pm and rushed to Norwich Airport, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
His heartbroken wife Jacqueline paid an emotional tribute and said: “Ray was my rock. We'd been together for 53 years and married almost 49 of those. "He retired in January 2018, and we’d hoped to have many more happy years together. “He was an engineer and his practical skills knew no bounds.".
