Emergency services have completed the recovery of a body found among the rocks on Withernsea beach following the tragedy on the seafront two weeks ago, police have confirmed.
Humberside Police said the body had been discovered on Thursday, January 15, during ongoing searches along the coastline. While formal identification has yet to take place, police said they believe the body to be that of 15-year-old Grace Keeling, who was swept into the sea at the Pier Towers on Friday, January 2.
Grace’s mother, Sarah, 45, and 67-year-old Withernsea man Mark Ratcliffe died after entering the water in an attempt to help her. Both of their bodies were recovered on the evening of the incident.
In a statement, Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers said emergency services and HM Coastguard had been able to complete the recovery following challenging conditions in the past couple of days.
“This was a deeply upsetting incident, and I cannot begin to understand the heartbreak felt by all the loved ones of those involved,” he said.
“We have spoken with Grace’s family and updated them, and we are continuing to support them with specially trained officers at this extremely difficult time. Understandably, they have asked for their privacy, and we would ask that this is respected.”
Det Supt Vickers said Grace’s body was discovered at around 8.30am on Thursday by police search advisers during what he described as extensive searches over the past 14 days.
“Due to tide times, conditions and the location, despite every effort it was not possible to safely recover Grace before high tide yesterday,” he said.
“This morning, with the help of HM Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and other specialist assistance, we have been able to safely recover Grace.”
He also thanked those involved in the search operation.
“I would like to reiterate my thanks to everyone who offered their assistance and support in the search for Grace, your help is as always very much appreciated,” he said.
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies will always remain with the families of Grace and Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe following this utter tragedy.”