With the permission of the family, Humberside Police have confirmed that a mother and daughter, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and 15-year-old Grace Keeling, were involved in Friday’s tragic incident in Withernsea, 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 recovered on the evening of Friday, 2 January 2026. Searches are still ongoing to locate Grace.
Both families continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
Paying tribute to Mark, his family said: “A true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others.
“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. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you.”
Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area as officers continue the search.
RNLI volunteers from Withernsea, Bridlington and Skegness lifeboat stations responded to the tasking by HM Coastguard at around 3.30pm on Friday.
Conditions at sea were extremely difficult with three metre waves, strong winds and very cold air temperatures. After extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the search was stood down at around 12.30am.
Search efforts resumed at first light on Saturday 3 January, with RNLI volunteers from Withernsea searching the shoreline on foot alongside partner agencies in challenging snow conditions.
Agencies involved in the response included HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull, Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue.
The RNLI said:
“We would like to thank members of the public who assisted and supported the emergency services, and recognise the professionalism, coordination and commitment shown by all agencies during a prolonged and demanding response. We’d also like to acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers, who spent many hours at sea in challenging conditions, and all those who supported back at the stations.
“This is a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families, friends and all those impacted.”
Local MP Graham Stuart said:
“On Friday, we learned of a serious incident off our coast. Throughout the weekend, in bitter weather conditions, we could only watch and wait as the emergency services worked tirelessly, doing what they do best.
“We now know that, tragically, two people have lost their lives. Grace Keeling, just 15 years old, remains missing. Her mother, Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe, who so bravely tried to rescue her, have been recovered but could not be saved. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of grief felt by their families and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them all at this heartbreaking time.
“I am profoundly grateful to the emergency services – the Coastguard, Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police, the Fire Service and the RNLI who battled appalling conditions for many hours. Their courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication in the most distressing circumstances deserve our deepest respect.
“I also wish to pay tribute to the people of Withernsea, who came together with compassion and resolve. From the staff of the Castle Café and the Methodist Church, to the volunteers of the RNLI, and the calm professionalism of local councillor Lyn Healing and Town Clerk Jayne Moxon, who opened the Meridian Centre to provide warmth and refreshment – so many people did all they could to help others. I thank every one of them.
“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.
“I stand with the community in mourning, and with pride in its humanity. If there is anything at all I can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, sent a message to the people of Withernsea:
Holderness Gazette Editor Sam Hawcroft reflected on the community response:
East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor Lyn Healing spoke of her pride in how the community came together:
Reverend Diane Berry shared her thoughts:
And this prayer:
