Hero Mark Ratcliffe and mother Sarah Keeling were named as victims in the Withernsea drowning with her daughter Grace still missing as rescuers called off the search
23:06, 04 Jan 2026Updated 23:06, 04 Jan 2026
Rescuers described the desperate search for the mum, daughter and hero(Image: Donna Clifford/Hull Live)
Coastguard rescuers have shared details around the desperate attempt to save a mum, child and a heroic stranger in the tragedy off Withernsea.
A major search and rescue operation was launched on Friday in a desperate bid to rescue mother and daughter Sarah Keeling, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15, after they began to struggle in the sea off the East Yorkshire Coast. Tragically, Mark Ratcliffe tried to save them though he died in the attempt.
The local Hornsea Inshore Rescue and RNLI launched operations in a bid to find them. HM Coastguard began searching for them on Saturday morning but the efforts were called off at 4pm that afternoon and the rescue attempt would not be continued.
Grace and Sarah Keeling got into difficulty in the water (Image: PA)READ MORE: Mum and daughter in Withernsea horror named after ‘wave watching’ ended in tragedyREAD MORE: Withernsea tragedy: Mum, 45, and daughter, 15, swept away by ‘rogue wave’ on beach
In a public statement, a Hornsea Inshore Rescue spokesperson detailed the harsh conditions rescuers faced. They later paid tribute to the three who died and paid tribute to emergency services involved in the rescue atempt.
“An assessment was made of the launch conditions and, due to extremely large breaking waves on the launch ramp, we couldn’t launch immediately,” rescuers said in a statement shared on Facebook. “A casualty care crew was dispatched to Withernsea to assist with the incident.
“Eventually although still extremely difficult, demanding sea conditions, a decision was made that we would be able to safely launch the boat at this time. A crew of four proceeded to the scene and assisted with the search along with RNLI, the Coastguard and other SAR assets until being stood down after many search patterns had been carried out.”
The search was called off on Saturday(Image: Donna Clifford/Hull Live)
The statement continued: “The crew returned to station and a safe but challenging recovery to the trailer was made. We’d like to send our thoughts and love to all involved in such a tragic incident, to all the friends and families of Mark, Sarah and Grace at this very sad time, you are all in our thoughts.”
Mr Ratcliffe’s family paid tribute to him in a heartbreaking statement, adding: “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.”