A 67-year-old man who lost his life attempting to rescue a mother and her teenage daughter from treacherous seas off the East Yorkshire coast could be posthumously honoured with a royal bravery award.
A Tragic Afternoon at Withernsea Bay
Mark Ratcliffe, from Withernsea, drowned on Friday afternoon at around 3pm after entering the water at Withernsea Bay Beach. He was trying to save 15-year-old Grace Keeling and her 45-year-old mother, Sarah Keeling, who had been swept into the heavy seas. During the initial search, Mr Ratcliffe was pulled from the water unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene.
The body of Sarah Keeling was discovered later that evening. As of Tuesday, Humberside Police continue their search for teenager Grace, who remains missing. Chief Inspector Tom Stevens stated that, based on CCTV and witness accounts, Grace is believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave while on steps near rocks. Her mother and three members of the public, including Mr Ratcliffe, immediately went in to help.
Community Mourns a 'Selfless Hero'
In a moving tribute, Mr Ratcliffe's family described him as 'a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others'. They added: '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.'
James Dick, the Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire and the King's representative for the county, confirmed he is investigating the most appropriate way to recognise Mr Ratcliffe's bravery. 'I am investigating the most appropriate way to recognise Mark Ratcliffe's selfless act of bravery,' he said. 'It is a very tragic situation where three people have lost their lives. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families.' He added that his office would be contacting officials who organise such awards.
Eyewitness Recounts 'Impossible' Rescue Attempt
One of the other rescuers, 68-year-old Richard Shaw, gave a harrowing account of the events. He was walking his dog near the Pier Towers when he heard shouting and saw Grace in what he described as '20-foot waves'. He ran to get a lifebelt, but tragically, Grace was unable to reach it.
Mr Shaw recounted seeing Sarah Keeling swept into the sea while screaming for her daughter. He attempted to reach her but was himself hit by massive waves, suffering a knee injury. 'I knew she'd gone. I knew the mother could not be stopped from attempting to save her, and it was just immensely sad,' he said, breaking down in tears. 'This is an impossible situation. The sea is in charge here, and we are not.'
Chief Inspector Stevens noted that two of the three members of the public who entered the water, including Mr Shaw, managed to get to safety. Police and coastguard teams continue to search the shoreline from Withernsea to Easington using drones and on-foot patrols.
