Community Mourns as Heroic Rescue Attempt Ends in Tragedy at Withernsea
Published 4 January 2026
Highlights
- Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died attempting to rescue Sarah Keeling, 45, and her daughter Grace, 15, from the sea in Withernsea, East Yorkshire.
- The bodies of Mark Ratcliffe and Sarah Keeling were recovered on Friday, while the search for Grace was called off on Saturday.
- The tragedy has deeply affected the Withernsea community, with local churches and residents offering support to the families.
- A large-scale rescue operation involved about 100 emergency workers, including RNLI crews and a rescue helicopter.
- Humberside police confirmed the incident and are providing support to the families involved.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Community Mourns as Heroic Rescue Attempt Ends in Tragedy at Withernsea
In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the small seaside town of Withernsea in mourning, a man lost his life while attempting to save a mother and her teenage daughter from the treacherous sea. Mark Ratcliffe, 67, was hailed as a "true selfless hero" by his family after he died trying to rescue Sarah Keeling, 45, and her daughter Grace, 15, on Friday.
Tragic Rescue Attempt
The tragedy unfolded on Friday afternoon when emergency services were alerted to people in distress in the water off Withernsea's Central Promenade. Despite the valiant efforts of Ratcliffe and emergency responders, both he and Sarah Keeling were pulled from the sea and pronounced dead. The search for Grace Keeling continued until Saturday afternoon, when it was called off by the coastguard.
Community Support and Mourning
The Withernsea community has been deeply affected by the incident. Reverend Clive Hall from St Matthew's Church noted the town's sombre mood, as local churches have come together to offer prayers and support. Residents have placed flowers on the promenade, and services were held to reflect on the loss. "It's a close-knit community, and we're all heartbroken," Hall said.
Emergency Response
The rescue operation was extensive, involving around 100 emergency workers, including RNLI crews from multiple locations and a rescue helicopter. The RNLI expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance during the operation. Mark Ratcliffe's family thanked the emergency services for their relentless efforts in challenging weather conditions.
A Hero Remembered
Mark Ratcliffe's family paid tribute to him, describing him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. "You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever," they said. His son expressed gratitude to the RNLI and coastguards, acknowledging their tireless work.
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Scenario Analysis
As Withernsea grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and the community. The incident has highlighted the dangers of the sea, prompting discussions on safety measures and emergency response strategies. While the search for Grace has been suspended, the community's resolve to support one another remains strong. Experts may call for increased awareness and education on sea safety to prevent future tragedies.
In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the small seaside town of Withernsea in mourning, a man lost his life while attempting to save a mother and her teenage daughter from the treacherous sea. Mark Ratcliffe, 67, was hailed as a "true selfless hero" by his family after he died trying to rescue Sarah Keeling, 45, and her daughter Grace, 15, on Friday.
Tragic Rescue Attempt
The tragedy unfolded on Friday afternoon when emergency services were alerted to people in distress in the water off Withernsea's Central Promenade. Despite the valiant efforts of Ratcliffe and emergency responders, both he and Sarah Keeling were pulled from the sea and pronounced dead. The search for Grace Keeling continued until Saturday afternoon, when it was called off by the coastguard.
Community Support and Mourning
The Withernsea community has been deeply affected by the incident. Reverend Clive Hall from St Matthew's Church noted the town's sombre mood, as local churches have come together to offer prayers and support. Residents have placed flowers on the promenade, and services were held to reflect on the loss. "It's a close-knit community, and we're all heartbroken," Hall said.
Emergency Response
The rescue operation was extensive, involving around 100 emergency workers, including RNLI crews from multiple locations and a rescue helicopter. The RNLI expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance during the operation. Mark Ratcliffe's family thanked the emergency services for their relentless efforts in challenging weather conditions.
A Hero Remembered
Mark Ratcliffe's family paid tribute to him, describing him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. "You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever," they said. His son expressed gratitude to the RNLI and coastguards, acknowledging their tireless work.
What this might mean
As Withernsea grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and the community. The incident has highlighted the dangers of the sea, prompting discussions on safety measures and emergency response strategies. While the search for Grace has been suspended, the community's resolve to support one another remains strong. Experts may call for increased awareness and education on sea safety to prevent future tragedies.
