A body has been found in the search for 15-year-old Grace Keeling, who was swept into the sea at Withernsea on England’s East Yorkshire coast on January 2. Grace fell into the water after being struck by a powerful wave while standing near rocks with a friend. Her mother, Sarah Keeling, 45, and local passer-by Mark Ratcliffe, 67, immediately entered the freezing sea in a desperate attempt to save her. Tragically, both adults lost their lives in the rescue effort. Their bodies were recovered shortly after the incident, while Grace remained missing, prompting an extensive search operation involving police, coastguards, and emergency services for nearly two weeks.

On Thursday morning, emergency teams located a body among rocks along the beach, believed to be Grace. Recovery efforts were delayed due to dangerous tide conditions, but her family has now been informed by specialist officers. Authorities have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculation during this devastating time. Investigators confirmed that Grace was likely swept from the steps into the water, triggering the rescue attempt. Two other men who entered the sea managed to survive. Mr. Ratcliffe’s family described him as a “selfless hero with a heart of gold,” while tributes continue to pour in for both adults who gave their lives trying to save a child. The tragedy has left the community grieving, marking a heartbreaking end to a search filled with hope.