Search efforts are ongoing for a teenage girl who disappeared in the ocean five days ago.
Grace Keeling, a 15-year-old, remains missing after falling into the water at Withernsea on January 2. Tragically, her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45, and a bystander named Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who tried to rescue her, lost their lives in the incident. Mr. Ratcliffe was found unconscious during the initial search, while Ms. Keeling was later recovered by HM Coastguard that same evening.
Humberside Police provided an update today, indicating that they have been analyzing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading to the tragedy. It has been determined that Grace and her friend were near the rocks when Grace fell into the water after being swept by a wave.
Chief Inspector Tom Stevens described the incident as extremely tragic and mentioned that support is being provided to the families of Sarah and Mark. Finding Grace is the top priority, with extensive searches along the shoreline and drone operations from Withernsea to Easington being conducted. Specialized teams are leading the efforts, including the deployment of an underwater search unit and an oceanographer to enhance search effectiveness. The public is urged to avoid the area to facilitate the investigation.
Ch Insp Stevens emphasized the ongoing efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Grace, Sarah, and Mark were near the rocks when Grace fell into the water, prompting immediate rescue attempts by Sarah, Mark, and others. Unfortunately, Mark Ratcliffe passed away at the scene, while Sarah Keeling’s body was recovered later in the evening. Two other individuals who tried to help were able to exit the water safely. Ch Insp Stevens expressed gratitude to the public and partners for their support in the search for Grace.