Withernsea Town Council has sent its deepest condolences to the people of Hornsea following the death of a teenage boy in the sea.
In a letter to Hornsea Town Council, Withernsea’s deputy mayor Sharon Carman said the two coastal communities shared a particular bond, strengthened by their recent experiences of tragedy and loss.
The letter was sent after a body was recovered during an extensive search for a 13-year-old boy who got into difficulty while swimming near Hornsea’s South Promenade on Tuesday, August 4.
Emergency services were called shortly after 6pm and searched throughout the evening and into the early hours of Wednesday. A body was recovered from the water at about 4.30am.
Formal identification had not taken place when police issued their statement, but officers said they believed the body to be that of the missing boy. His family were informed and are being supported by officers.
The letter said: “Withernsea Town Council wishes to express its deepest sympathy following the tragic incident in Hornsea.
“Our own community has only recently experienced profound loss on our shoreline and we understand the shock, sadness and collective grief that follow such events.
“Coastal communities share a particular bond. Shaped by the sea, strengthened in adversity and held together by the compassion of our residents. In moments like these, that connection feels especially strong.
“We stand with Hornsea’s community, its emergency responders and everyone affected. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that Withernsea is thinking of Hornsea at this very difficult time.”
Hornsea Town Council shared the letter with residents and those affected by the tragedy.
It said: “We are all united by the grief these incidents create and thank them kindly for their thoughtfulness.”
The message follows the tragedy at Withernsea’s Pier Towers on Friday, January 2, when 15-year-old Grace Keeling was swept into the sea.
Her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45, and Withernsea man Mark Ratcliffe, 67, entered the water in attempts to rescue her. The bodies of Sarah and Mark were recovered that evening.
A major search for Grace continued for almost two weeks before her body was found among rock armour near Golden Sands on Thursday, January 15.
The deaths brought an outpouring of grief in Withernsea, where floral tributes were laid and residents came together to support the families and emergency responders involved.
Withernsea mayor Cllr Kristina Richardson also sent a message of support to Hornsea following this week’s tragedy.
She said Withernsea understood “only too well the heartache and uncertainty that moments like these bring”, adding that the community stood alongside the people of Hornsea “in support and solidarity”.
Cllr Richardson said ongoing conversations with Hornsea mayor Stephen Prescott about strengthening links between the two towns had taken on even greater significance.
She added: “Together, we remain committed to sharing learning and working collaboratively for the benefit of all those who live in, work in and visit our coastline.”
