Withersea tragedy: Mum adored daughter, friend says

Withersea tragedy: Mum adored daughter, friend says

A tragic incident unfolded recently at a seaside resort in Withernsea, East Yorkshire, where a mother and daughter were caught in heavy seas. Sarah Keeling, aged 45, and her 15-year-old daughter Grace were swept away while in the water. Mark Ratcliffe, a passer-by who attempted to assist them, also lost his life. On Friday, the bodies of Sarah and Mark were recovered, but Grace remains missing as the search continues.

Joanne Gee, a close friend of Sarah, spoke emotionally about the loss. She described Sarah as someone who “left a mark with absolutely everyone she met” and shared how Sarah, who had been a bridesmaid at Joanne’s wedding, adored her daughter, who was her “whole world.” Joanne expressed her heartbreak and disbelief, stating, “When it’s someone you know and love… you just can’t put it into words.”

Mark Ratcliffe, aged 67, was hailed as a hero by those who knew him. His family released a statement honoring him as a “true hero and role model” and celebrated his roles as a “loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for.” Police confirmed that both families are receiving support from specially trained officers in response to the tragedy.

Emergency services first received reports of people in distress in the water at 15:10 GMT on Friday. What followed was a large-scale search and rescue operation involving around 100 emergency personnel, a rescue helicopter, air ambulance, and multiple RNLI crews from nearby coastal towns. Although the coastguard called off their search for Grace on Saturday afternoon, the police have indicated that efforts are ongoing, including underwater search teams. Floral tributes have since been placed near the scene as the community mourns the three lives lost in this heart-rending event

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