The body believed to be that of missing teenager Grace Keeling has been recovered from the East Yorkshire coastline, more than two weeks after she and her mother were swept into the sea. Humberside Police confirmed the development following a complex operation hampered by dangerous conditions.
Recovery operation amid challenging tides
The body was discovered among rocks on Withernsea beach at 8.30am on Thursday, 16 January 2026. However, emergency services faced immediate challenges due to tide times and weather conditions, which prevented a safe recovery before high tide on Friday.
Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers stated: "This morning, with the help of HM Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and other specialist assistance, we have been able to safely recover Grace." He added that although formal identification is pending, police strongly believe the body is that of the 15-year-old.
A tragic sequence of events on 2 January
The incident that led to this tragedy occurred on 2 January 2026. It is understood that Grace and a friend were on steps near the rocks at Withernsea beach when a wave swept Grace into the water.
Her mother, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling, along with three other members of the public, immediately entered the water in a desperate rescue attempt. Tragically, one of those would-be rescuers, Mark Ratcliffe, also lost his life. Sarah Keeling's death was confirmed earlier.
Police support for grieving families
DS Vickers expressed profound sympathy for all affected, describing it as "a deeply upsetting incident". He said: "I cannot begin to understand the heartbreak felt by all the loved ones of those involved. We have spoken with Grace's family and updated them, and we are continuing to support them with specially trained officers at this extremely difficult time."
The police have reiterated a request for privacy on behalf of the families, urging the public and media to respect their wishes as they grieve. "Our thoughts and sincere sympathies will always remain with the families of Grace and Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe following this utter tragedy," DS Vickers concluded.
The investigation into the full circumstances of the incident continues, as the community of Withernsea and the wider East Yorkshire region mourns the loss of three lives in this coastal tragedy.
