Two weeks on from the tragic events on Withernsea’s seafront, emergency services searching for 15-year-old Grace Keeling recovered her body from the rocks on the town’s beach after a complex and difficult operation.
The discovery was made among the rock armour near Golden Sands on Thursday, January 15, during continuing searches along the coastline.
Police later confirmed to the Gazette that formal identification had taken place, and that the body was that of Grace, who was swept into the sea at the Pier Towers just a mile north on Friday, January 2.
On Thursday, January 22, an inquest into Grace’s death was opened and adjourned until a later date at Hull Coroner’s Court.
Grace’s mother, Sarah, 45, and 67-year-old Withernsea man Mark Ratcliffe died after entering the water in an attempt to rescue 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 of Grace’s body on Saturday, January 17, following challenging conditions.
“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.
Because of tide times, conditions and the location, despite every effort it was not possible to safely recover Grace before high tide.
The location was secured overnight using specialist equipment, with a cordon remaining in place around the area on Friday and Saturday.
On Saturday morning, with the help of HM Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and other specialist assistance, the recovery was safely completed, Det Supt Vickers said.
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.”
A resident of the town’s South Promenade, who did not wish to be named, said: “Knowing that she’s literally been up the road from me near where I’ve walked by hundreds of times – it’s just a very sad and tragic end to an awful situation, but I hope it can now offer the families some closure.”