Mum adored daughter, friend says

A close friend paid tribute to the mother and daughter who went missing at the seaside resort.

Joanne Gee said Sarah Keeling, 45, “adored” her 15-year-old daughter Grace, who was her “whole world”.

The bodies of passers-by Sarah and Mark Ratcliffe, who tried to help, were found on Friday shortly after they entered rough seas at Withernsea, East Yorkshire. Police said they are still looking for Grace.

Joanne, who fought back tears as she laid flowers at the scene on Monday, said Sarah, who was a bridesmaid at her wedding, “absolutely left an impression on everyone she met”.

Joanne, who traveled from her home in Derby to pay her respects, said she had known Sarah, from Nottinghamshire, for 15 years and the pair shared a passion for running.

He said: “Sarah was always positive. I told her ‘yes girl’ because if you wanted to do something random she would say ‘yes’.”

“He was always doing something with his family and friends. He definitely lived life to the fullest and took every opportunity to be happy.”

Joanne, who is planning a weekend trip to London with Sarah in February, said she “can’t understand” what the family are going through.

“He adored Sarah Grace. Grace was his whole world.”

Police said Mark, 67, died after trying to help Joanne and Grace.

“The poor man who gave his life to save them,” said Joanne. “Three beautiful lost souls.

“My life is even bleaker for losing such a bright and shining person.”

Joanne said she reacted with disbelief to the news that Sarah was dead and Grace was missing.

She added: “When it’s someone you know and love… you can’t put it into words.”

On Sunday, Mark’s family described him as a “true hero and role model”.

They said he was “a loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandfather anyone could ask for.”

Police said both families were being supported by specially trained police officers.

Emergency services said they were first alerted at 15:10 GMT on Friday to reports of several people experiencing difficulties in the water.

This was followed by a major search and rescue operation involving around 100 emergency workers, a rescue helicopter, air ambulance and RNLI teams from Withernsea, Bridlington, Skegness and Hornsea Coastal Rescue.

The coast guard suspended the search for Grace at 4pm on Saturday, but police said earlier they were continuing their efforts to find Grace along with underwater search teams.

Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start your day. Sign up here.