Home / Disasters and Accidents / Tragic Wave Claims Teenager and Mother Off East Yorkshire Coast
Tragic Wave Claims Teenager and Mother Off East Yorkshire Coast
18 Jan
Summary
- Teenager's body found trapped among coastal erosion rocks.
- Rescuers raced against high tide to recover the body.
- Inquests confirmed drowning as cause of death for three victims.
A harrowing rescue operation concluded with the recovery of 15-year-old Grace Keeling's body off the East Yorkshire coast nearly two weeks after she was swept away by a wave. Her remains were discovered trapped amongst rocks used for coastal erosion control. Emergency services battled challenging conditions and a ticking clock against the rising tide to reach her before she could be washed away again.
The recovery effort involved numerous personnel from various emergency services. Firefighters cut through a fence to access the site, and the Coastguard tenderly carried Grace from the beach. A poignant silence fell over the scene as the young girl's body was removed. Flowers were later laid in her memory by a police officer.
Tragically, Grace's mother, Sarah Keeling, and a passer-by, Mark Ratcliffe, also lost their lives during the incident. Inquests opened on Monday confirmed that drowning was the primary cause of death for all three victims. Sarah Keeling suffered head and neck injuries, while Mr. Ratcliffe sustained chest injuries.
