Body discovered on Withernsea beach believed to be missing 15-year-old
Police say formal identification will take place.
Last updated 17th Jan 2026
Emergency services have recovered a body found among the rocks at Withernsea beach, which is believed to be 15-year-old Grace Keeling.
Grace was swept into the sea on 2nd January, and search efforts have been ongoing since the incident.
Grace's mother 45 year-old Sarah Keeling, from Nottinghamshire, was found dead later on Friday evening. 67 year-old Mark Ratcliffe, who attempted to save the pair, also died.
The recovery for the third body could not be safely completed until today due to challenging tide conditions.
The body was discovered on Thursday by Humberside Police Search Advisors during extensive searches. Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers spoke about the difficult recovery process and shared sympathies with Grace’s family.
“This was a deeply upsetting incident, and I cannot begin to understand the heartbreak felt by all the loved ones of those involved,” he said.
“We have spoken with Grace’s family and updated them, and we are continuing to support them with specially trained officers at this extremely difficult time. Understandably, they have asked for their privacy, and we would ask that this is respected."
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies will always remain with the families of Grace and Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe following this utter tragedy.”
The emergency services, including HM Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, and specialist personnel, assisted in recovering the body.