A heartbreaking incident has unfolded on the East Yorkshire coast, leaving a community in shock and an intense search underway for a missing teenage girl. 15-year-old Grace Keeling is believed to have been swept into the sea by a powerful wave last Friday.
In a profound display of love and courage, Grace’s mother, Sarah Keeling (45), and a brave passer-by, Mark Ratcliffe (67), tragically lost their lives attempting to rescue her. Their immediate, selfless actions highlight the desperate circumstances that unfolded.
Humberside Police have been meticulously investigating the events, using CCTV and witness statements to understand how the tragedy occurred. They’ve established that Grace and a friend were on steps near rocks when a wave pulled Grace into the water. Her mum, Mark, and two other members of the public immediately entered the sea to help.
Emergency services, including HM Coastguard and specialist search teams, were deployed swiftly. Mark was sadly recovered but pronounced dead at the scene, and Sarah was found later that evening. The extensive search for Grace continues, with shoreline and drone searches from Withernsea to Easington, supported by an underwater unit and an oceanographer, leaving no stone unturned.
Chief Inspector Tom Stevens has described the incident as “truly tragic,” and specially trained officers are supporting the grieving families. Police urge the public to allow space for the ongoing investigation and search efforts. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this immense loss, and hope remains for Grace’s safe return.
Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/police-update-teen-girl-search-36507362
