Inquests were opened into the deaths of Sarah Keeling, 45, and Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who drowned in Withernsea, East Yorkshire, on January 2 attempting to rescue Sarah’s daughter, Grace
A mother and good Samaritan who attempted to save a teenage girl swept out to sea died from drowning, an inquest has heard. Sarah Keeling, 45, and Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who both perished in Withernsea, East Yorkshire, on January 2, after trying to rescue Sarah’s daughter Grace, 15 who was “swept away by a wave” and remains missing.
Their inquests were opened and adjourned on Monday morning (January 12). East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris stated at Mrs Keeling’s inquest that her primary cause of death was drowning, exacerbated by head and neck injuries.
Ms Harris noted that Mrs Keeling, a married woman born in Germany, resided in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and worked in international sales.
The coroner also confirmed that Mr Ratcliffe’s primary cause of death was drowning, with chest injuries contributing to his death.
She added that Mr Ratcliffe, born in Bradford, lived in Withernsea and was a retired warehouse manager.
Each inquest opening lasted approximately two minutes at Hull Coroners’ Court, with no family members in attendance.
Ms Harris adjourned both hearings until a future date yet to be fixed.
Humberside Police previously reported that officers were called to an incident at Central Promenade in Withernsea at 3.15pm on January 2.
Last week, the force stated that after reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to numerous witnesses, it appears that Grace and a friend were on the steps near the rocks when she is “believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave”.
Mrs Keeling and three other members of the public, including Mr Ratcliffe, immediately entered the water in an effort to save her.
Police said officers were deployed along with coastguards, ambulance and fire service resources.
Mr Ratcliffe was recovered unconscious from the water during the initial searches. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, the force said.
Mrs Keeling’s body was then found by the coastguard the same evening.
Two other men who also entered the water in an attempt to assist with the rescue managed to exit safely, the force said.
Mr Ratcliffe’s family has paid tribute to him, saying he was a “true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others”.