Two individuals tragically drowned while attempting to rescue a teenage girl swept into the sea, as revealed in a recent inquest. Sarah Keeling, aged 45, and Mark Ratcliffe, aged 67, lost their lives after entering the waters at Withernsea, East Yorkshire, on January 2. The search is still ongoing for Mrs. Keeling’s 15-year-old daughter, Grace.
At Hull Coroners’ Court, the inquests into the deaths of Mrs. Keeling and Mr. Ratcliffe were opened and adjourned. East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris stated that Mrs. Keeling’s primary cause of death was drowning, with additional head and neck injuries. Mrs. Keeling, who was married, hailing from Germany, and residing in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, worked in international sales. Mr. Ratcliffe, a retired warehouse manager from Bradford who lived in Withernsea, also passed away from drowning, with chest injuries playing a contributing role.
The brief hearings, each lasting around two minutes, took place without any family members present. Both inquests were adjourned for a later date. According to Humberside Police, the incident occurred on Central Promenade in Withernsea at 3:15 pm on January 2. Following a review of CCTV footage and witness statements, it was determined that Grace and a friend were near the rocks when a wave swept Grace into the sea.
Mrs. Keeling and three bystanders, including Mr. Ratcliffe, immediately entered the water in an attempt to rescue her. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, including police, coastguards, ambulance crews, and the fire service. Mr. Ratcliffe was found unconscious during the initial search and pronounced dead at the scene soon after. Mrs. Keeling’s body was discovered later by coastguards. Fortunately, two other individuals who entered the water managed to escape unharmed.
Remembering Mr. Ratcliffe, his family described him as a selfless hero with a heart of gold, who tragically lost his life while courageously trying to save others.