“COME HOME, MY GIRL!” DEVASTATED FATHER BREAKS SILENCE AFTER 15-YEAR-OLD GRACE SWEPT OUT TO SEA — POLICE ISSUE HEARTBREAKING UPDATE
Schoolgirl was stood on steps near water when freak wave came
A TEEN girl remains missing after her mum and a hero passer-by died trying to save her when she was swept out to sea, an inquest heard.
Sarah Keeling, 45, and her 15-year-old daughter Grace disappeared in the water near near Withernsea – off the East Yorkshire coast – on January 2.
Sarah Keeling died trying to rescue her daughterCredit: PA
Mark Ratcliffe had also jumped in the sea to save the teenCredit: PA
Grace has still not been found despite a massive rescue operationCredit: Darrin Stevens
Hero passer-by Mark Ratcliffe, 67, was also killed in the horror as he bravely tried to pull the pair to safety.
An inquest heard Grace has still not been found despite a massive search operation.
East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris said Sarah’s cause of death was drowning contributed to by head and neck injuries.
Mark died from drowning, with chest injuries given as a contributory factor.
The coroner adjourned both hearings until a date to be fixed.
A huge search and rescue operation was launched after Sarah and Grace got into difficulty.
Grace had been standing on steps near the water when she was swept out to sea, with Sarah and Mark jumping in to try to save her.
Two other men went into the sea to try to help her but managed to escape unharmed.
In a letter to parents, Tim Paling, headteacher at Grace’s school Quarrydale Academy, said: “This loss is felt deeply across our wider school community.
“Grace was a wonderful young person and a greatly valued member of the academy.
“Over her time with us she grew in confidence and maturity, and she was known by staff and students for her kindness, warmth and positivity.
“Grace consistently brought joy into the classroom, approached her learning with enthusiasm, and showed genuine care for others. She was polite, thoughtful, and deeply appreciative of the support given to her.”
He added that he had “spoken directly with Grace’s dad” to offer condolences and said support would be given to fellow students.
