UPDATE: A desperate search is underway for 15-year-old Grace Keeling, who went missing after a tragic incident at Withernsea beach on January 2, 2024. Authorities have identified her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45, and a heroic bystander, Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who both drowned while attempting to rescue her from the raging sea.
Just after 3 PM on Friday, waves exceeding 12 feet swept the mother and daughter away. Witnesses reported seeing them at the top of concrete steps leading to the beach moments before the tragedy unfolded. As the pair watched the crashing waves, Grace descended the steps to get a closer look, while Sarah stayed behind with their dog.
In a horrifying turn of events, Grace was caught by a rogue wave and pulled nearly 100 yards out to sea. Sarah quickly ran back after hearing her daughter’s cries but tragically could not reach her in time. Humberside Police confirmed that both Sarah and Mark’s bodies were recovered later that evening, while the search for Grace continues amid challenging conditions.
“The mother ran back instinctively to save her daughter, but the waves were too strong,”
said Paul Whitehead, owner of Castle Cafe, who witnessed the incident and provided CCTV footage to the police. “It was just for 30 seconds that she turned away, and then it was too late.”
Mark Ratcliffe, who attempted to help the Keelings, has been hailed as a hero by his family. His body was discovered by rescuers around 10 PM the same evening. “He was selfless, trying to save them,” his family stated.
Rescue teams faced immense challenges as they launched lifeboats in treacherous conditions, with waves reaching up to 3 meters. Despite their efforts, they could not reach Grace before she was swept further from shore.
As the search for Grace continues, the community mourns the loss of the two lives and reflects on the dangers posed by the unpredictable sea. Local authorities emphasize the need for caution during extreme weather conditions, especially along coastal areas.
The tragedy has left residents in shock, with many expressing their feelings of helplessness as they watched the events unfold. “You would do anything to save your child,” said Whitehead, empathizing with Sarah’s instinctive reaction.
As of now, the search operations are ongoing, with hopes that Grace will be found safe. Local police are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
This heartbreaking situation serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the impact it can have on families and communities. The Keeling and Ratcliffe families are in the thoughts of many as they navigate this devastating loss.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
