by Sam Hawcroft
Members of Withernsea RNLI and HM Coastguard were among those who attended the funerals of Sarah and Grace Keeling and of Mark Ratcliffe, standing alongside families, friends and fellow emergency service colleagues.
During the joint funeral service for Sarah and Grace, the work of the emergency services was acknowledged, with words of thanks offered to the RNLI, HM Coastguard and other responders who came together during the search and rescue operation.
In a statement, Withernsea RNLI said it had been “a privilege to stand alongside their loved ones and the wider community during such heartbreaking moments”.
The charity also thanked the communities of Withernsea and Sutton-in-Ashfield for the “overwhelming support, kindness and compassion shown to our crew”, adding that messages and gestures of solidarity had meant “more than we can say”.
Looking ahead, the lifeboat station said its focus remained on keeping the Holderness coast safe, with plans to resume its Meet the Crew features and begin searching for the next wave of volunteer crew members in the coming weeks.
The RNLI also acknowledged the significant fundraising effort that has emerged in the wake of the tragedy, inviting anyone who has raised money in support of Withernsea RNLI to get in touch.
“We want to acknowledge the incredible fundraising and community spirit that has emerged from this tragedy.
“If you, your group, business, or organisation has raised funds for Withernsea RNLI, please send us a message. We would be grateful to hear from you so we can thank you properly.”
Meanwhile, HM Coastguard Withernsea described the honour of taking part in a guard of honour at the funeral of Sarah and Grace Keeling.
In a statement, it said: “On Friday, HM Coastguard Withernsea had the great privilege of being part in a guard of honour which lined the route taken by Sarah and Grace Keeling on their final journey together.
“Seven members of our team and one from HM Coastguard Hornsea, along with nine crew members from RNLI Withernsea, were given the honour of being part of this poignant day.”
Coastguard volunteers said the service was both deeply sad and uplifting, giving them a greater insight into the lives of Sarah and Grace.
“The service was extremely sad but also incredibly beautiful and it gave us a chance to find out a little about the two unique people that we grieve for. It is clear they were loved so very much.”
HM Coastguard Withernsea also reflected on the funeral of Mark Ratcliffe, which took place two-and-a-half weeks earlier.
“Again we were part of a guard of honour with our friends and colleagues from RNLI Withernsea, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Humberside Fire & Rescue Service.
“The wonderful tributes read out for Mark were touching and showed just what a selfless person he was. The calibre of the man was clear – he could never have just stood by and not tried to help.”
Representatives from Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire & Rescue Service were also present at the services, reflecting the multi-agency response that unfolded during the original incident and the continued bond between emergency services and the community.
Looking ahead, HM Coastguard Withernsea said its team would continue its work while carrying the impact of recent weeks with them.
“As we continue into 2026, our sincerest sympathies will always be with the families and friends of Mark, Sarah and Grace who are missing such special people from their lives.
“As a team we will carry on training on a Monday night, we will respond to the regular callouts we receive and we will continue to look out for each other.”
The Coastguard also spoke of the connection formed between Withernsea and Sutton-in-Ashfield.
“This terrible tragedy has tied the communities of Withernsea and Sutton-in-Ashfield together in grief, but we hope that a bond of friendship can come from this.”