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Body Found in Search for Girl Swept Out to Sea
16 Jan
Summary
- A body was found 13 days after a 15-year-old girl went missing at sea.
- Two people died trying to rescue the girl who entered the water.
- Recovery of the body is paused due to dangerous sea conditions.
Emergency services located a body among rocks on Withernsea beach, East Yorkshire, on Thursday morning. The discovery occurred 13 days after 15-year-old Grace Keeling entered the sea on January 2. Her mother, Sarah Keeling, and a 67-year-old passer-by, Mark Ratcliffe, tragically lost their lives attempting to save Grace.
Despite the finding, specialist officers have been unable to immediately recover the body. Dangerous tide times and sea conditions have temporarily paused the operation, with recovery efforts set to resume when it is safe. The police have cordoned off part of Holmpton Road and are working with specialist teams.
A large-scale search operation involving HM Coastguard, lifeboats, and helicopters was initiated after the initial calls. Mark Ratcliffe was pulled unconscious from the water and died at the scene, while Sarah Keeling's body was recovered later that evening. Authorities have asked the public to refrain from speculation and to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.
