A coroner has formally opened investigations into the deaths of two ‘selfless heroes’ who lost their lives attempting to rescue a teenager from the sea in East Yorkshire.
Tragedy on the Withernsea Promenade
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Friday, January 2, at Central Promenade in Withernsea. According to Humberside Police, officers were called to the scene at 3.15pm after reports that 15-year-old Grace Keeling had been swept into the water.
Investigations, including CCTV review and witness statements, suggest Grace and a friend were on steps near rocks when she is believed to have been knocked into the sea by a wave.
Desperate Rescue Attempt
Upon seeing Grace in difficulty, her mother, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling, and three other members of the public immediately entered the water to try and save her. Among them was 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe, a retired warehouse manager from Withernsea.
A major emergency response was launched, involving police, coastguard, ambulance, and fire service resources. During the initial search, Mr Ratcliffe was pulled from the water unconscious and was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs Keeling’s body was recovered by the coastguard later the same evening.
Two other men who entered the water managed to exit safely. The search for 15-year-old Grace is ongoing.
Inquest Hearings Adjourned
On Monday, January 12, East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris opened and adjourned inquests into both deaths at Hull Coroners’ Court. Each hearing lasted approximately two minutes, with no family members present.
The coroner stated that Sarah Keeling’s primary cause of death was drowning, contributed to by head and neck injuries. Mrs Keeling, born in Germany, lived in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and worked in international sales.
For Mark Ratcliffe, the primary cause was also drowning, with chest injuries listed as a contributory factor. Mr Ratcliffe was born in Bradford and was a resident of Withernsea.
Both inquests were adjourned to dates yet to be fixed.
Tributes to a ‘Selfless Hero’
In a heartfelt tribute, Mark Ratcliffe’s family described him as a "true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others."
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the sea, even near the shoreline.
