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Inquests Opened in Withernsea Sea Tragedy That Killed Two Rescuers as Search for Teen Continues

The coroner recorded drowning as the primary cause of death for Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe.

Overview

  • East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris opened and adjourned brief hearings at Hull Coroners’ Court.
  • Sarah Keeling, 45, and Mark Ratcliffe, 67, entered the water on 2 January after 15-year-old Grace was swept from steps on the Central Promenade.
  • The coroner cited contributory head and neck injuries for Keeling and chest injuries for Ratcliffe.
  • Humberside Police say CCTV and witness accounts indicate Grace fell in after a wave struck, and two other rescuers returned to shore safely.
  • Ratcliffe was pronounced dead at the scene and Keeling’s body was recovered later that evening as searches for Grace continue.