Extensive searches continue along the Withernsea shoreline as the search for a teenager missing in the sea since Friday continues.
Emergency services were first called to the area on Friday afternoon after reports of three people in the water.
Tragically the bodies of 45 year old Sarah Keeling and 67 year old Mark Ratcliffe were found on Friday evening, Sarah's 15 year old daughter Grace remains missing. Mark has been confirmed as a member of the public who died trying to assist with the rescue.
In an update from Humberside Police on Tuesday, Chief Inspector Tom Stevens said:
“This is a truly tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the families of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe. Both families continue to be supported by specially trained officers and have requested their privacy at this devastating time.
“Our priority now is to find Grace, and we are doing everything we can to locate her. This includes extensive searches along the shoreline and drone searches from Withernsea to Easington directed by our specialist search teams. Our underwater search unit has also been in the area, and we have consulted with an oceanographer to ensure our searches are as efficient as possible.
“Throughout the week, members of the public should expect to see a continued police presence in the area, and we would ask people to avoid the location to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.
“Over the last five days we have been working to establish how the incident unfolded and understand the full circumstances of how Grace, Sarah and Mark came to be in the water.
“From trawling through CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses who were in the area at the time, it is understood that Grace and her friend were on the steps near to the rocks when Grace is believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave.
“Grace’s mum, Sarah, and three other members of the public who were nearby at the time, including Mark, immediately entered the water in an effort to save Grace.
“Alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire and Rescue Services, we were immediately deployed to the area and during the initial searches, emergency services recovered Mark unconscious from the water.
“Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Mark was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later. Sarah’s body was then found by HM Coastguard the same evening.
“Two other men who also entered the water in an attempt to assist with the rescue managed to exit safely.
“I would like to offer my thanks to all members of the public and partners for their continued assistance in the search for Grace, your help has been invaluable.”
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