A body has been discovered on a Yorkshire beach, bringing a tragic two-week search to a likely conclusion after a teenage girl was swept out to sea during stormy weather.
A Fatal Moment on the Coastline
Grace Keeling, aged 15, went missing after falling into the water at Withernsea on the East Yorkshire coast on Friday, 2 January 2026. According to a friend who spoke to the press, the incident occurred after Grace's mother, Sarah, asked to take a photograph of her daughter by the coastline. A large wave then swept Grace into the sea.
In a desperate attempt to save her, Sarah immediately jumped into the water. She was followed by a heroic passer-by, Mark Ratcliffe. Tragically, both would-be rescuers lost their lives in the incident. Their bodies were recovered soon afterwards.
Complex Recovery Operation
Humberside Police confirmed that emergency services located a body among rocks on the beach on the morning of Thursday, 15 January. Specialist officers have informed Grace's family and have asked the public to refrain from speculation and respect their privacy.
Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers stated that the discovery followed 13 days of 'extensive searches' by officers and specialist teams. He explained the difficult circumstances, saying: 'Officers and specialist teams have been working to explore every possible option in very complex circumstances to delicately recover the body.'
Due to tide times, dangerous conditions, and the precarious location, the recovery operation could not be completed immediately and was paused for safety. The area around Holmpton Road remains cordoned off as emergency services continue their work.
Ongoing Investigations and Inquests
While formal identification is yet to take place, police have acknowledged that the discovery is linked to the search for Grace Keeling. The investigation, which included reviewing CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses, established that Grace and a friend were on steps near the rocks when she is believed to have been swept away by a wave.
East Yorkshire area coroner, Lorraine Harris, opened inquests into the deaths of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe last week. The initial rescue attempt on 2 January saw a major emergency response, with police, coastguard, ambulance, and fire service resources all deployed to the scene.
Mark Ratcliffe was recovered unconscious from the water during the first searches and was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Sarah Keeling's body was found by the coastguard later that same evening.
