Sarah Keeling, 45, and her daughter Grace, 15, have been named by police following the Withernsea tragedy. Sarah’s body was recovered on Friday evening whilst searches continue for Grace.
Two further victims of the East Yorkshire sea tragedy have been identified after three people were overwhelmed by waves at Withernsea on Friday (January 4).
Mother and daughter Sarah, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15 perished, alongside the man who was attempting to rescue them, Mark Ratcliffe, 67, previously named by authorities.
A Humberside Police spokesperson confirmed: “Following reports of concerns for safety for people in the water in Withernsea, with the permission of the family, Humberside Police can now confirm that a mother and daughter, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and 15-year-old Grace Keeling, were involved in this tragic incident, alongside 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe, a member of the public who died trying to assist with the rescue.”
The bodies of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe were retrieved on the evening of Friday, 2 January 2026. Search operations remain active to locate Grace, whilst both families receive ongoing support from specially trained officers.
In a heartfelt tribute to Mark, his relatives described him as a “true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others”.
They expressed their devastation: “So many lives are now shattered that you’re gone.
“You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever. A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for.”, reports Hull Live.
“Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you.”
Local residents in Withernsea have been advised to anticipate a heightened police presence throughout the vicinity as officers persist with their search for the missing teenager.
Mr Ratcliffe was pulled from the water unconscious following a major search and rescue mission involving The Coastguard, RNLI, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, and Yorkshire Ambulance, which was mobilised shortly after 3pm on Friday after reports emerged of “a number of people in difficulty in the sea”.
Tragically, he passed away shortly afterwards.
It is believed Grace was swept into the water by a large wave amid freezing conditions, prompting her mother and Mr Ratcliffe to attempt her rescue.
The community of Withernsea, which heartbroken locals say is ‘in mourning’, rallied together to support those affected by the tragedy and rescue efforts, providing warm spaces, hot drinks, and emotional comfort.
