THE girlfriend of hero who went into the sea to try and rescue to girls has paid tribute to him, five days after he was last seen.

Marco Araujo, aged 33, of Grafton Street, Portsmouth, was last seen in the water near Tower Street in the city last Thursday afternoon.

In a statement, Marco’s partner Tracey Hall said: “A lovely family day turned into my worst nightmare, which I cannot wake from. My three-year-old grandson and I watched Marco go into the sea to save lives. There was no hesitation from Marco.

“I have lost my partner, my best friend and my soulmate. To everyone you are a hero, but to me, you were my life. What you showed to everyone by your heroic actions, I already knew. You will never be forgotten, you are my life; a fabulous dad, granddad, son, brother, uncle and friend. All who had the pleasure of knowing you are left with a big gaping hole in their hearts. We all adore you more than you’ll ever know. I know you’re with me and I take great comfort knowing that. One day we will be together again forever.”

Chief Inspector Steve Burridge of Hampshire Constabulary’s Portsmouth District said: “Other immediate relatives were contacted and informed of the situation over the weekend by police. There have been no confirmed sightings of the missing man since Thursday, but officers remain prepared for the potential recovery of his body.

“Witnesses and anyone with information about sightings of the missing man or a body are asked to contact Southsea police station.”

Phone 101 or in an emergency, dial 999. Mini-com users can phone 18001 101.

Hampshire Constabulary and the family would like to express their thanks again to partner agencies and members of the public for their considerable assistance at the scene on Thursday.