Police recover body from Withernsea beach believed to be missing 15-year-old Grace Keeling

Grace was swept into the water on January 2 and two people died after going into the sea to try to rescue the teenager – her mother Sarah Keeling, 45, and Mark Ratcliffe, 67.

A body was discovered among rocks near Holmpton Road on Thursday morning, but couldn’t be recovered immediately due to difficult conditions.

However police said this took place on Saturday morning and while formal identification has yet to take place, officers believe it to be that of the teenager.

Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers said: “This was a deeply upsetting incident, and I cannot begin to understand the heartbreak felt by all the loved ones of those involved.

“We have spoken with Grace’s family and updated them, and we are continuing to support them with specially trained officers at this extremely difficult time.

"Understandably, they have asked for their privacy, and we would ask that this is respected.

“Grace’s body was discovered at around 8.30am on Thursday, 15 January 2026 by Humberside Police Search Advisors during the extensive searches that have continued over the last fourteen days to find her.

“Due to tide times, conditions and the location, despite every effort it was not possible to safely recover Grace before high tide yesterday.

"This morning (Saturday, 17 January), with the help of HM Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and other specialist assistance, we have been able to safely recover Grace.

“I would like to reiterate my thanks to everyone who offered their assistance and support in the search for Grace, your help is as always very much appreciated.

“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies will always remain with the families of Grace and Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe following this utter tragedy.”

East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris opened inquests into the death of Mrs Keeling and Mr Ratcliffe last week.

Police have previously said that, from trawling through CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses, it is understood that Grace and a friend were on the steps near to the rocks when she is “believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave”.

Mrs Keeling, from Nottinghamshire, and three other members of the public, including Mr Ratcliffe, immediately entered the water in an effort to save her.

Police said officers were deployed along with coastguards, ambulance and fire service resources.

Mr Ratcliffe was recovered unconscious from the water during the initial searches. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, the force said.

Mrs Keeling’s body was then found by the coastguard the same evening.