Family Tragedy on East Yorkshire Coast: Woman and Teenage Daughter Die as Elderly Man Attempts Rescue

What began as a quiet afternoon by the sea turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy, as a mother and her teenage daughter were swept into the freezing waters off the East Yorkshire coast — followed by a bystander who died trying to save them.

A mother and daughter swept out to sea by a powerful wave off the East Yorkshire coast have been named as tributes continue to pour in for them and the man who died trying to save them.

The tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of Friday, January 2, 2026, near Withernsea, when emergency services were called to reports of three people in distress in the freezing water.

According to eyewitnesses, 15-year-old Grace Keeling had been standing on the steps by the sea when she was suddenly dragged out by a freak wave. Her mother, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling, leapt in after her in a desperate attempt to save her daughter.

Local café owner Paul Whitehead described the frantic moments that followed. "The daughter was on the steps when a huge wave crashed into her and swept her out," he said, adding:

"My member of staff heard what was happening and ran out to help. The girl's mom was by my colleague's side and they both went into the water to pull the girl out...my colleague was just inches away from grabbing the girl, too."

Mark Ratcliffe, aged 67, witnessed the scene and immediately entered the water in an effort to assist. Rescuers later recovered his unconscious body. Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sarah's body was also recovered later that evening. However, searches remain ongoing for Grace, whose body has not yet been found.

A large-scale emergency response was launched involving RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue, supported by a rescue helicopter and an air ambulance.

It is understood that Mark did not hesitate when he saw Sarah and Grace struggling in the water.

Teams battled three-metre waves, fading daylight, and bitter conditions in a desperate effort to save lives. Humberside Police confirmed the identities of those involved in a statement.

"The bodies of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe were recovered on the evening of Friday, 2 January 2026. Searches are still ongoing to locate Grace. Both families continue to be supported by specially trained officers," the statement read.

In the aftermath, a tide of grief swept through the local community. Mourners gathered at the base of the Pier Towers, laying flowers and standing in quiet tribute at the top of the steep steps that had been sealed off with police tape.

Mark's son, Nigel Ratcliffe, also paid an emotional tribute on social media, calling his father "a true selfless hero with a heart of gold." He further wrote:

"So many lives are now shattered that you're gone. You were loved by so many people and we will all miss you forever. A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you xxx [sic]."

Nigel went on to thank emergency workers who had "worked tirelessly and relentlessly in the awful weather conditions," before adding, "Please respect we need time to grieve as a family and no further comments will be made at this time."

It is understood that Mark did not hesitate when he saw Sarah and Grace struggling in the water. His bravery has since not gone unnoticed.

One netizen commented in part, "A Mothers love Trying To save Her Daughter and An AMAZING bystander who couldn't just watch,I am Sure Most other people would have Done The Same,Very Brave And he lost his life doing it [sic]."

Another shared, "The poor mum was just trying to save her baby. At least they are together now. May they rest in eternal peace x."

More online tributes praised Mark's courage, calling his actions the ultimate display of selflessness. "What an heroic man to risk his life for others [sic]. Winter seas should be admired, not entered!" typed one person.

Others reflected on the random cruelty of the event, as one person wrote in part, "What an absolute tragedy,the world can be cruel ,these things happen regardless of dates ,those 3 woke up that day to embrace the new year ,unknowing what lay ahead of them that day [...] the mum did it out of pure love and without hesitation,sadly the cruel sea took them all away [sic]."

Despite the heroic efforts made by all involved, the sea proved unrelenting. As the search continues for Grace, the community mourns the lives lost and rallies around the grieving families left behind. Police have asked the public to respect the families' privacy as they come to terms with this devastating loss.