OAP tried to save mum and teen daughter swept away in rough sea

Tragedy in Withernsea as mother and daughter drown in rough sea despite rescue attempts

Tragic Drowning Incident Near Withernsea

An elderly man tried to save a mother and her teenage daughter from drowning in the sea before they were swept away.

Rescue crews launched a major operation after three people disappeared in the water near Withernsea, off the East Yorkshire coast on Friday afternoon.

Victims Identified

Richard Shaw, 68, fought to save the mother and daughter as they were swept out to sea. Sarah Keeling, 45, and her 15-year-old daughter, Grace Keeling, both died in the tragic incident.

Authorities confirmed that Sarah and Grace were two of the victims. Sarah’s body was recovered on Friday, along with the body of Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who died after attempting to save them.

Rescue Efforts

Richard Shaw, who was alerted by screams, ran to help. He threw a lifebelt into the water but tragically, Grace could not reach it. He then watched as Sarah was also swept into the sea.

Richard saw Grace floating face down and lost sight of Sarah as he was hit by waves. He was eventually washed up the ramp and helped to safety by another passerby.

Emotional Aftermath

Richard sat against a wall and cried, feeling he could do no more. He expressed his sadness, saying, “I knew she’d gone.” He described the sea as “angry and horrible.”

Richard had been walking his dog at about 3 PM when he first heard shouting. He noticed the waves were “extremely high” and breaking against the sea wall.

Community Response

Mark Ratcliffe was hailed as a hero for his selfless actions. A steady stream of well-wishers laid flowers to pay their respects to the victims.

Richard described the scene, saying, “Each time a wave came in and out, the girl would have been fully engulfed.” He attempted to throw the lifebelt but was unsuccessful.

Search Operations

The incident led to a major search involving a rescue helicopter, air ambulance, and RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington, and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.

Police sealed off the steep steps leading to the sea following the tragedy.