Humberside Police and HM Coastguard have identified the three people involved in a fatal seaside incident at Withernsea: 45-year-old Sarah Keeling, her 15-year-old daughter Grace Keeling, and 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe. Sarah and Mark's bodies were recovered on Friday evening; searches for Grace continued into the early hours before being temporarily suspended. Ratcliffe is being remembered by his family as a "selfless hero" after reportedly attempting to help, and both families are receiving specialist support from police. Authorities are investigating the circumstances amid warnings about dangerous sea conditions.
Three Identified After Withernsea Sea Tragedy — Mother, Daughter and Rescuer
Humberside PoliceGrace Keeling, 15, and Sarah Keeling, 45; Mark Ratcliffe, 67.
Humberside Police and HM Coastguard have identified three people involved in a fatal incident off the promenade at Withernsea, East Yorkshire. The force confirmed the victims as 45-year-old Sarah Keeling, her 15-year-old daughter Grace Keeling, and 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe.
Humberside PoliceGrace and Sarah Keeling
Incident and Search Effort
The incident occurred on Friday, Jan. 2, when emergency services responded to reports of “a number of people in difficulty in the water” near Withernsea’s Central Promenade. HM Coastguard said the initial search began at about 3:10 p.m., with multiple agencies and rescue teams deployed amid hazardous, high-wave conditions.
Humberside PoliceMark Ratcliffe.
Humberside Police reported that the bodies of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe were recovered on Friday evening. Searches to locate Grace Keeling continued into the early hours of Saturday before being temporarily suspended at around 12:30 a.m.; by 4 p.m. the Coastguard said it had stood down its extensive search effort.
gettyWithernsea, photographed in March 2025.
Tributes and Family Support
Police described the event as a “tragic accident.” Ratcliffe’s family paid tribute to him in a press release, calling him “a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others.” They added:
“A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you.”
Humberside Police said specially trained officers are supporting both families affected by the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts and Warnings
Eyewitnesses told local outlets they saw a large wave knock a teenage girl over and sweep her further from shore. Authorities noted that earlier that day swimmers had been barred from entering the water due to dangerously large waves. The Coastguard and police reiterated public safety warnings about coastal conditions.
The investigation into the circumstances of the incident remains ongoing as emergency services and local authorities continue to liaise with the families.
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