TRIPLE TRAGEDY AT SEA: A 45-year-old mother and her 15-year-old daughter who were swept out to sea have now been named and pictured — alongside the “hero” who lost his life trying to save them

A mother and her teenage daughter who were swept out to sea have been named and pictured.

Grace Keeling, 15, was wave-watching with her mum at Withernsea, Yorkshire, on Friday afternoon when she got caught in the water, it is understood.

Sarah Keeling, 45, bravely waded into the sea trying to reach for her daughter after hearing her call out for help.

She was joined by Good Samaritan Mark Ratcliffe – a member of the public who heroically tried to assist with the rescue.

The bodies of Ms Keeling and 67-year-old Mr Ratcliffe were recovered from the freezing water on Friday evening, while searches for Grace are ongoing.

Today, the mother and daughter were named and pictured for the first time since the tragedy took place.

Mr Ratcliffe’s family described him as a ‘true selfless hero’ after he died trying to stop the pair being swept out to sea.

He selflessly braved 12ft waves after seeing the teenager get into difficulty in the water.

Mother and daughter 15-year-old Grace Keeling and Sarah Keeling, 45, were swept out to sea at Withernsea, Yorkshire, on Friday

Mark Ratcliffe, 67, a member of the public, also died after bravely trying to assist with the rescue

Emergency services were called to Withernsea following a ‘number of people in difficulty in the water’ on Friday afternoon

Mr Ratcliffe was recovered from the water unconscious shortly before 10pm on Friday and died soon after, Humberside Police said.

The two adults came within inches of saving the teen, it is understood.

In a heartbreaking tribute to Mr Ratcliffe, his family said: ‘A true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others.

‘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.’

Mr Ratcliffe’s son bid an emotional farewell to his father on Facebook, adding: ‘Bye Dad I miss you and I will never forget the true hero and role model you were. I will continue to make you proud.’

Friends of Ms Keeling took to social media on Sunday night to pay tribute to the mother, who was described as a ‘caring, loving person’.

One friend wrote: ‘I am genuinely heartbroken about seeing this. Sarah was one of the most genuine, respectful, lovely women I have ever met, years and years and one of my clients from the beginning. My heart to her husband and family.’

Another friend said: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking news. Sincere condolences to the families at this awful time, known Sarah for years, such a caring, loving person. Life is so cruel at times.’

The area had been cordoned off while emergency services launched their search operation

The HM Coastguard helicopter hovers above the sea as part of the rescue operation

Cafe owner Paul Whitehead, 60, said the teenager was on some steps when a ‘huge wave’ crashed into her and swept her away.

He told how his staff had tried to help by throwing a life ring to the girl.

‘This was a tragic accident. The girl was enjoying the spectacle of the waves, but the sea was so rough she got swept away by the force of the water,’ Mr Whitehead told The Sun.

‘One of my staff tried to help her with a life ring. The girl grabbed the ring, but the sea was so rough she couldn’t hold on.’

A statement from Humberside Police said: ‘Following reports of concerns for safety for people in the water in Withernsea, with the permission of the family, Humberside Police can now confirm that a mother and daughter, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and 15-year-old Grace Keeling, were involved in this tragic incident, alongside 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe, a member of the public who died trying to assist with the rescue.

‘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.’

Humberside Police previously confirmed that two bodies were pulled from the water. They called off their search for the girl on Saturday night after being hampered by blizzards and sub–zero temperatures.

The tragedy came hours after a 51–year–old from Kettering died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Brighton on New Year’s Day.