Mother and daughter ‘washed away’ in deadly sea incident named
The teenage girl missing after being “dragged into the water” in Withernsea has been named 15-year-old Grace Keeling by Humberside Police, who say her mother also died in the same incident.
While the body of 45-year-old Sarah Keeling was removed from the sea off the East Yorkshire coast on Friday, 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe was taken out of the water unconscious and died at the scene.
In a statement, the force said: “Following reports of concerns for the safety of people in the water at Withernsea, Humberside Police can confirm, with the permission of the family, that a mother and daughter, Sarah Keeling, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15, were involved in this tragic incident, along with member of the public Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who died trying to assist in the rescue.
“The bodies of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe were found on the evening of Friday, January 2, 2026. Searches are still ongoing to locate Grace.
“Both families continue to be supported by specially trained police officers.”
Mr Ratcliffe’s family paid tribute on Sunday, saying he was “a true selfless hero with a heart of gold who was cruelly deceived while trying to save others”.
“So many lives are shattered now that you are gone,” they added.
“You were loved by so many people and we will all miss you forever.
“A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandfather anyone could ask for.
“Sleep well, we love you, we miss you.”
Humberside Police said they were called to Central Promenade in Withernsea at 3.15pm on Friday.
Mr Ratcliffe was pulled from the water unconscious and died at the scene.
