The search efforts are ongoing for a teenage girl who disappeared in the sea five days ago.
Grace Keeling, aged 15, remains missing after she fell into the water at Withernsea on Friday, January 2. Tragically, her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45, and passerby Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who bravely attempted to rescue her, both lost their lives in the incident. Mr. Ratcliffe was found unconscious during the initial search operations, while Ms. Keeling’s body was recovered by HM Coastguard on the same day.
In the most recent update, Humberside Police stated that they have been diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy over the past few days. Through analyzing CCTV footage and interviewing multiple witnesses, the authorities have determined that Grace and her friend were near the rocks when she was swept into the water by a wave.
Chief Inspector Tom Stevens described the incident as a “truly tragic” event, emphasizing that the families of Sarah and Mark are receiving support from trained officers and have requested privacy during this difficult period.
“Our primary focus now is locating Grace, and we are putting all our efforts into finding her,” he stated. Intensive searches along the shoreline and aerial searches from Withernsea to Easington are being conducted by specialized teams. Additionally, the underwater search unit, along with an oceanographer, has been deployed to enhance the effectiveness of the search operations. The public is urged to avoid the area to facilitate the investigation process.
Ch Insp Stevens further explained, “In the past five days, we have been piecing together the sequence of events leading to the incident and comprehending how Grace, Sarah, and Mark ended up in the water. Our investigations, including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses, indicate that Grace and her friend were near the steps close to the rocks when she was swept into the water by a wave.
“Sarah, Grace’s mother, and three other individuals who were present at the scene, including Mark, immediately entered the water to rescue Grace. Alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Services, we swiftly responded to the incident, and Mark was recovered unconscious from the water during the initial search.”
Regrettably, Mark Ratcliffe was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sarah Keeling’s body was discovered by HM Coastguard later that evening. Two other individuals who entered the water to assist were able to safely make it back to shore, Ch Insp Stevens confirmed, expressing gratitude to the public and partners for their ongoing support in the search for Grace.
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