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Withernsea Sea Tragedy Leaves Mother and Rescuer Dead as Search for 15-Year-Old Continues

Officials describe severe conditions, saying the missing teenager is unlikely to have survived.

Overview

  • Police say 15-year-old Grace was swept into the North Sea by a sudden large wave at Withernsea on Friday.
  • Her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45, and a 67-year-old passerby, named as Mark Ratcliffe, entered the water to help and were later recovered dead.
  • HM Coastguard and Humberside Police mounted a large search using a helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, boats and shore teams, and efforts are still ongoing.
  • Eyewitnesses reported very strong currents and waves estimated up to about 3.6 meters, with winter cold complicating rescue attempts.
  • Local residents have left flowers and tributes at the seafront, and specialist officers are supporting the bereaved families.