Tragedy Strikes Withernsea Beach: Body Found After 2-Week Search
A heart-wrenching discovery on Withernsea beach as a body, believed to be missing 15-year-old Grace Keeling, was found on Thursday, 15 January 2026. Grace vanished on 2 January after being swept into the sea.
Police Confirm Grim Find After Extensive Search
Humberside Police revealed the sad news after a desperate two-week hunt. Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers said:
“This was a deeply upsetting incident, and I cannot begin to understand the heartbreak felt by all the loved ones of those involved.
“We have spoken with Grace’s family and updated them, and we are continuing to support them with specially trained officers at this extremely difficult time. Understandably, they have asked for their privacy, and we would ask that this is respected.”
Grace’s body was spotted around 8:30am by police search advisers among the rocks. Dangerous tides and conditions delayed her recovery until Saturday morning, when the Coastguard, Fire and Rescue service, and specialists safely retrieved her.
Community and Police Pay Tribute to Grace
Det. Supt Vickers added:
“I would like to reiterate my thanks to everyone who offered their assistance and support in the search for Grace, your help is as always very much appreciated.
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies will always remain with the families of Grace and Sarah Keeling, and Mark Ratcliffe following this utter tragedy.”
The investigation is ongoing as formal identification is completed, but police are confident the body is that of Grace Keeling.
