Police searches continue for teenager missing off Withernsea

Police were scouring rocks along the sea wall at Withernsea three days after Grace Keeling went missing.Credit: ITV News/Family handout

Police searches have continued on the East Yorkshire coastline for a teenager who was swept out to sea.

Grace Keeling, 15, remains missing following the incident off Withernsea at around 3pm on Friday, 2 January.

It is believed she was standing on steps leading down to the beach when she was hit by a wave.

Grace’s mother, Sarah, died trying to save her, along with witness Mark Ratcliffe, who went into the water to try to rescue them both. Their bodies were recovered later on Friday.

The Coastguard stood down its search for Grace on Saturday.

But officers from Humberside Police could be seen scouring the rocks along the sea wall on Monday.

It comes as a growing number of tributes were left at the scene.

A growing number of flowers have been left at the scene.Credit: ITV News

Adam Atkinson, who described himself as a friend of Mr Ratcliffe’s son, told ITV News he was a “hero to everyone”.

“He will never be forgotten,” he said. “Something should be done for him – a statue or something. He went in and used his instincts and tried to save these two people. Unfortunately we lost three of them.”

He called for more “warnings” to people about the dangers of the sea and for barriers to be installed when the waves are treacherous to prevent the public from getting too close.

Meanwhile, messages left at the scene paid tribute to Mr Ratcliffe’s bravery, including one which said: “Not all superheroes wear capes.”

Police continued to search the beach on Monday.Credit: ITV News

Another one said: “RIP to the mummy trying to save your little girl.”

At the height of the incident about 100 emergency workers were involved in the search and rescue effort as the coastline was battered by three-metre waves in freezing conditions.

Withernsea RNLI described it as “one of the most difficult incidents we’ve ever had to deal with”.

In a statement, it added: “We would like to thank all emergency services who we worked with during this operation, including our RNLI colleagues from Bridlington and Skegness.

“We also would like to thank members of the public who assisted and supported the emergency services, and to recognise the professionalism, coordination and commitment shown by all agencies during a prolonged and demanding response.”

Grace Keeling’s mother, Sarah, died, along with Mark Ratcliffe, who tried to save them.Credit: Family photographs

Paul Whitehead, who runs a cafe on the seafront, said the incident was “horrific”, but added it was “heartening” to see people coming together to offer love and support.

He said: “There have been some amazing shows of unity and support from the community. This community is like that anyway. It has been tough, it’s been tough for everybody coming to terms with it but essentially wanting to help.”

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart paid tribute to the “tireless” efforts of those involved.

He added: “I cannot begin to imagine the depth of grief felt by their families and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them all at this heartbreaking time.”

Mr Stuart the people of Withernsea “came together with compassion and resolve”, adding: “So many people did all they could to help others. I thank every one of them.

“It is no surprise that Withernsea has shown such strength at this difficult time. It is a community defined by care for one another, and even in great sorrow, I know it will continue to look after all who are affected.

“I stand with the community in mourning, and with pride in its humanity.”

Withernsea Town Council described the incident as “truly devastating”.

About 100 emergency workers were involved in the search.Credit: Darrin Stevens

In a statement councillors said: “We wish to thank the emergency services personnel who worked tirelessly under treacherous conditions. All, without exception, are a credit to the services they work or volunteer for – our thoughts are with you all too – you all tried so hard.

“Withernsea is a remarkable town, with many individuals, community organisations and businesses supporting the emergency services personnel in attendance throughout, we cannot thank everyone enough. We are very lucky to have such dedicated and kind people in our town.

“Everyone in the town and beyond has been touched by this dreadful tragedy. We sincerely hope that Grace is found soon.”

Lee Anderson, the MP for Sutton-in-Ashfield, where Sarah and Grace Keeling were from, said he was “beyond devastated about the tragic news”.

He said: “I cannot begin to imagine the grief felt by their families and loved ones. My thoughts are with them at this time.”