Sarah Keeling, 45, and daughter Grace, 15, have been named by police with family permission.
Kirstie McCrum, Deborah Hall and Hannah Corken
17:57, 04 Jan 2026
Grace Keeling, 15, and her mum Sarah, who were involved in the Withernsea tragedy(Image: Humberside Police)
Two further victims of a devastating triple sea tragedy have been identified.
Mother and daughter Sarah, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15 are the second and third victims of the incident to be named, after the gentleman who perished attempting to rescue them, Mark Ratcliffe, 67, was previously named by authorities.
A Humberside Police representative stated: “Following reports of concerns for safety for people in the water in Withernsea, with the permission of the family, Humberside Police can now confirm that a mother and daughter, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and 15-year-old Grace Keeling, were involved in this tragic incident, 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.”
In remembrance of Mark, his relatives hailed him as a “true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others”. They expressed: “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.”, reports Hull Live.
“Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you.”
‘Selfless hero’ 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe.(Image: Humberside Police / SWNS)
Local residents in Withernsea have been advised to anticipate heightened police activity throughout the vicinity as officers persist in their search for the missing teenager.
Mr Ratcliffe was pulled unconscious from the water following a massive search and rescue mission involving The Coastguard, RNLI, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, and Yorkshire Ambulance which commenced shortly after 3pm on Friday, after reports emerged of “a number of people in difficulty in the sea”.
Tragically, he passed away shortly afterwards.
It is believed Grace was swept into the water by a massive wave amid freezing conditions, prompting her mother and Mr Ratcliffe to enter the sea in an attempt to rescue her.
The community of Withernsea, which devastated locals describe as ‘in mourning’, rallied together to support those affected by the tragedy and rescue efforts by providing warm shelter and refreshments, alongside emotional comfort.