THE young daughters of a professional chef swept out to sea in Blackpool say they are desperate for him to be found.
Paul Morris, 41, is still missing after a wave knocked him into the water by South Pier, while he was walking a dog along the Promenade shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day.
Mr Morris has two primary school aged daughters, Ebony and Amber Morris, to whom he is said to be “devoted”.
And a family statement issued by Lancashire Police yesterday said: “They are missing their dad so much and hope he is found soon.”
Mr Morris spent six months working in the kitchen at the Pig and Whistle Pub in Cartmel last year.
Manager of the pub, Craig Harrison, 25, worked alongside Mr Morris.
He said: “I had been busy at the pub so I didn’t know anything about it. When they named him I got a text saying ‘turn on the news’. It was a huge shock, I didn’t really believe it.
“He was a really nice guy and would do anything for anyone.
“He was one of the hardest workers I have ever met and I don’t think he ever took a day off. He was a great chef and made a mean lasagne.”
Mr Morris and a man and a woman – whom he was believed to live with in South Shore – were walking along the Promenade steps leading to the sea when Mr Morris and the other man were washed into the water by a wave.
His friend was able to climb to safety, but Mr Morris, who had recently moved to the area from Barrow-in-Furness, was lost.
A major search and rescue operation carried out by the emergency services, including lifeboat crews from Blackpool and Lytham, was aided by Prince William, who was on board a Sea King Helicopter scrambled by RAF Valley in Anglesey to assist the search.
A tribute posted on the Barrow Evening Mail website by Gail Hindmarsh read: “Paul is one of the nicest guys I have had the privilege to know, always putting his friends and family first.”
Nicole Head posted: “Paul was the kindest guy and a true friend, with two loved daughters who he thought the world of. He touched everyone with his warm personality and will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace Paul.”