“I saw her among the rocks the day before, but…” — A heartbroken rescuer reveals the haunting moment missing 15-year-old Grace found, two weeks after her mother and hero passer-by died trying to save her when she was swept out to sea in Withernsea

In a moment of profound sorrow and closure, the body of 15-year-old Grace Keeling was recovered from the rocky shoreline of Withernsea beach on January 17, 2026 — exactly two weeks after she was swept into the treacherous North Sea, claiming the lives of her devoted mother and a selfless local hero who rushed to their aid.

The discovery came after an exhaustive, multi-agency search that gripped the small East Yorkshire seaside town. A member of the specialist search team, speaking anonymously to local media, described the gut-wrenching moment: “I saw her among the rocks the day before, but the tide and conditions made it impossible to reach her safely. We had to wait… it haunts me.” The rescuer’s words capture the agony of watching helplessly as the sea held on to Grace for 14 agonizing days.

Here are dramatic images of Withernsea’s rugged, rocky coastline — the very spot where the tragedy unfolded and where Grace was finally located:

These visuals show the hazardous steps near the rocks where Grace and her friend were standing when a powerful wave swept her away:

The Day That Changed Everything: January 2, 2026

The horror began around 3:15 p.m. on a blustery Friday afternoon. Grace Keeling, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was visiting Withernsea with her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45. The pair, along with a friend, were wave-watching near the concrete steps by Pier Towers when a massive rogue wave crashed over them.

Grace was believed to have been knocked off the steps and carried into the churning sea. Sarah immediately plunged in to save her daughter, while Mark Ratcliffe, a 67-year-old local retired warehouse manager and grandfather, heroically entered the water to assist. Despite desperate efforts — including lifebelts thrown from the promenade and a close call by lifeboat crews — the ferocious undertow proved too strong.

Sarah and Mark were pulled from the water unconscious; both were pronounced dead at the scene from drowning, with contributing injuries. Grace vanished beneath the waves.

A massive rescue operation involving HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats from multiple stations, helicopters, fire and rescue services, and around 100 personnel was launched immediately. Yet Grace remained missing.

These poignant scenes depict the intense search efforts along the beach and shoreline, with emergency teams combing the area day after day:

A Community United in Grief

Withernsea, a tight-knit coastal town, rallied in the aftermath. Flowers, teddy bears, and tributes piled up at Pier Towers. Mark Ratcliffe was remembered as a “true selfless hero with a heart of gold” by his family, who described him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Sarah was honored as a devoted mother who adored her daughter — her “whole world.”

Grace’s school, Quarrydale Academy, paid tribute to a “wonderful young person” who brought joy to the classroom. The community expressed collective heartbreak, with the town mayor calling the loss “truly devastating.”

Here are moving images of candlelight vigils and memorials held on the beach in honor of Grace, Sarah, and Mark — symbols of a community’s enduring solidarity:

Final Recovery and Lingering Heartache

On Thursday, January 15, Humberside Police Search Advisors spotted a body among the rocks near Holmpton Road during ongoing shoreline searches. Due to dangerous tide times and weather, recovery was delayed until Saturday morning, January 17, with assistance from HM Coastguard and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers said: “Our thoughts and sincere sympathies will always remain with the families of Grace and Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe following this utter tragedy.” Formal identification was pending, but police confirmed they believe the body to be Grace’s, and specialist officers continue supporting the grieving family.

The rescuer’s haunting reflection — seeing Grace “among the rocks the day before” but being powerless to act — underscores the brutal unpredictability of the sea and the toll on those who risk everything to save others.

This triple tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of powerful winter waves along Britain’s coasts. As Withernsea mourns, the bravery of Sarah and Mark, and the enduring love between mother and daughter, will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Grace, Sarah, and Mark. The sea took you too soon, but your courage lives on.