Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart has paid tribute to the victims of last week’s tragic incident off the coast at Withernsea, praising both the emergency services and the local community for their response.
In a statement, Mr Stuart said he had followed events “with a heavy heart” after learning on Friday of reports of people in difficulty in the water.
“We now know that, tragically, two people have lost their lives. Grace Keeling, just 15 years old, remains missing. Her mother, Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe, who so bravely tried to rescue her, have been recovered but could not be saved,” he said.
“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 also paid tribute to the emergency services who responded to the incident in extremely challenging conditions.
“I am profoundly grateful to the emergency services – the Coastguard, Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police, the Fire Service, the RNLI and Hornsea Inshore Rescue – who battled appalling conditions for many hours,” he said.
“Their courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication in the most distressing circumstances deserve our deepest respect.”
He went on to highlight the response of the Withernsea community, praising the compassion shown by local people and organisations.
“I also wish to pay tribute to the people of Withernsea, who came together with compassion and resolve,” he added.
“From the staff of the Castle Café and the Methodist Church, to the volunteers of the RNLI, and the calm professionalism of local councillor Lyn Healing and town clerk Jayne Moxon, who opened the Meridian Centre to provide warmth and refreshment – so many people did all they could to help others. I thank every one of them.”
Mr Stuart said the strength shown by the town was no surprise, adding: “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 mayor Alex Camplin later added her own tribute. She said: “On behalf of Withernsea Town Council I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the recent tragedy on Withernsea seafront.
“The loss of three people to the sea is truly devastating and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Ratcliffe and Mrs and Miss Keeling.
“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.”
In the days since the incident, floral tributes have been laid at the Pier Towers in Withernsea, as residents and visitors have come together quietly to remember those affected.
The Gazette has also invited members of the community to share short written tributes, which will be published in the next edition in print and online.
In a message to readers, the Gazette said it wanted to give people “a more lasting space to share their tributes” following the tragedy.
Written messages of around 20 words, wording only, can be emailed to [email protected]. Contributors are asked to include their name and location.