Withernsea search for missing Mansfield teenager continues a week after tragedy
Extensive efforts ongoing to recover Grace Keeling’s body
The search for missing 15-year-old Grace Keeling continues a week after the teenager went missing in the water off the East Yorkshire coast at Withernsea.
Extensive efforts are underway to recover her body, including shoreline patrols and drone searches, led by Humberside Police.
Grace, who was from the Mansfield area, went missing on Friday, 2nd January. It's believed she was swept by a wave while near steps close to the rocks, according to police investigations.
Tragically, her mother, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling, and passer-by Mark Ratcliffe both died after attempting to save her.
Two other members of the public who entered the water during the rescue managed to get out safely.
Community mourns Grace and Sarah
The loss of Grace and Sarah Keeling has deeply affected their community in Nottinghamshire, East Yorkshire and beyond.
Grace, a Year 11 student at Quarrydale Academy, was remembered by her school in a heartfelt letter written by Headteacher, Mr Tim Paling, describing her as “a wonderful young person.”
He said: “Grace consistently brought joy into the classroom, approached her learning with enthusiasm, and showed genuine care for others. She was polite, thoughtful, and deeply appreciative of the support given to her.”
Tributes online have also piled in for Sarah, who's been described as a "beautiful person inside and out", and as "one in a million".
Images of her hiking and running have been released by friends including the leader of a local run club she was part of, saying “she did life to the full”
Julie Winter added how Sarah was “always full of life, with an infectious smile."
"We did our marathon training together last year, so spent many hours training together, making memories.
“She had so many friends and was loved by everyone and she adored Lulu, her dog. She was always up for the next challenge. Also, Grace had everything to look forward to with prom this summer."
Investigations continue
Since the tragedy, police have been working to establish exactly how the incident unfolded and are continuing efforts to recover Grace’s body.
Chief Inspector Tom Stevens of Humberside Police said this week in the latest update:
“Our priority now is to find Grace, and we are doing everything we can to locate her. This includes extensive searches along the shoreline and drone searches from Withernsea to Easington directed by our specialist search teams. Our underwater search unit has also been in the area, and we have consulted with an oceanographer to ensure our searches are as efficient as possible.
“Over the last five days we have been working to establish how the incident unfolded and understand the full circumstances of how Grace, Sarah and Mark came to be in the water.
“From trawling through CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses who were in the area at the time, it is understood that Grace and her friend were on the steps near to the rocks when Grace is believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave.”
There remains an increased police presence in the area as search operations continue.
Tributes to Mark Ratcliffe
Mark Ratcliffe’s family paid tribute to the 67-year-old, who tragically lost his life trying to save Grace during the incident.
“A true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others,” Mark’s family said.
“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.”
The Lord Lieutenant for East Yorkshire, James Dick OBE, said there will be discussions on how to formally honour Mark's bravery in the near future.
“I think it's a overwhelmingly, desperately tragic situation. Three lives lost and I'd like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families concerned, their friends, and all those individuals who were concerned with it."
He continued:
"I also think it's a tragedy for the whole of the community of Withernsea, who I know have responded extremely well to the situation.
"I'd like to pay my own personal tribute to Mark Ratcliffe for his selfless act of bravery trying to save others. And sadly, that's cost him his own life.
"It's still very early days, but we will, of course, investigate the most appropriate way to recognise his selfless bravery, in whatever form that might take.”
Community support praised
MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, praised the efforts of emergency services and expressed gratitude toward the local community’s support during the rescue operation:
“It is no surprise that Withernsea has shown such strength at this difficult time.
“It is a community defined by care for one another, and even in great sorrow, I know it will continue to look after all who are affected.”
Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, also offered thanks to those involved in the search effort and extended condolences:
“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,” she said.
“Our thoughts are with the friends and families of those involved and all those affected.”
Specialist teams are continuing their search for Grace Keeling’s body, with efforts expected to remain ongoing in Withernsea.