Tragedy Strikes East Yorkshire Coast
A family outing turned to tragedy on the East Yorkshire coast, resulting in the death of a mother and leaving her teenage daughter missing. The incident occurred in the sea off Withernsea, prompting a major emergency response and ongoing search efforts.
The body of 45-year-old Sarah Keeling was recovered from the water on Friday, according to a statement from Humberside Police. Her 15-year-old daughter, Grace Keeling, remains unaccounted for as of Sunday, 4 January 2026. Specialist teams continue to scour the coastline and waters in a desperate attempt to locate the missing teenager.
Heroic Rescue Attempt Ends in Further Loss
The tragedy deepened when a member of the public lost his life while attempting a brave rescue. Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died after entering the water in an effort to assist the mother and daughter who were in difficulty. His actions highlight the extreme dangers posed by the sea, even to those attempting to help.
Police have confirmed that the families of both Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe are receiving support from specially trained officers during this devastating time. The community of Withernsea and the wider region have been left in shock by the consecutive losses.
Ongoing Search and Safety Warnings
Search operations for Grace Keeling are ongoing, involving multiple agencies. The incident serves as a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictable power of the UK's coastal waters. Authorities routinely warn of risks such as:
- Unexpectedly strong currents and cold water shock.
- Sudden changes in weather and sea conditions.
- The importance of heeding safety warnings and flags.
This incident underscores the critical need for public awareness about coastal safety, particularly during the winter months when conditions can be most treacherous. The thoughts of the local community and emergency services are with the affected families as they endure an unimaginable wait.
