Cllr Anne Handley’s statement after incident in Withernsea

Cllr Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding Council has given thanks and paid tribute to Sarah Keeling, 45, and her daughter Grace Keeling, 15, got stuck in the sea off Withernsea on Friday afternoon (January 2),

As reported by The Press earlier today, the bodies of Ms Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who tried to rescue them, were recovered after the incident, but searches are still ongoing to locate Grace.

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A rescue helicopter, coastguard rescue teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull, an RNLI inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and an all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue were also among those who attended the scene, according to the coastguard.

In a statement issued today, Cllr Handley said: “Following the tragic incident at Withernsea over the weekend, on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council I would like to thank all of those who worked tirelessly on the search and rescue effort including HM Coastguard, the RNLI, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bridlington, Hornsea, Hull, Skegness and Withernsea, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue and Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

“I would also like to thank Withernsea Town Council and the local businesses who supported those involved in the search and rescue operation.

“Our thoughts are with the friends and families of those involved and all those affected.”

The family of Sarah and Grace Keeling are being supported by specially trained officers from Humberside Police.