Head teacher pays tribute to Nottinghamshire pupil lost at sea

A head teacher has paid tribute to 15-year-old pupil Grace Keeling, who was “tragically lost at sea” with her mother.

Grace has been missing since Friday with searches ongoing, said Humberside Police, after being swept away by heavy seas at Withernsea, East Yorkshire.

Grace’s mother Sarah Keeling, 45, from Nottinghamshire, was found dead later on Friday evening. Mark Ratcliffe, 67, who attempted to save the pair, also died.

Tim Paling, head teacher at Quarrydale Academy in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, has written to the school community over the “tragic loss”.

He said Grace had made “a lasting impression” and it was an honour to have her at Quarrydale.

Paling said: “Over her time with us she grew in confidence and maturity, and she was known by staff and students for her kindness, warmth and positivity.

“Grace consistently brought joy into the classroom, approached her learning with enthusiasm, and showed genuine care for others.”

On Tuesday, Ch Insp Tom Stevens, of Humberside Police, gave further details of the circumstances of the deaths.

He said: “From trawling through CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses who were in the area at the time, it is understood that Grace and her friend were on the steps near to the rocks when Grace is believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave.

“Grace’s mum, Sarah, and three other members of the public, who were nearby at the time, including Mark, immediately entered the water in an effort to save Grace.”

Stevens said two of those three who also entered the water in an attempt to assist with the rescue managed to exit safely.

He added: “Our priority now is to find Grace, and we are doing everything we can to locate her. This includes extensive searches along the shoreline and drone searches from Withernsea to Easington directed by our specialist search teams.”

Stevens said its underwater search unit had also been deployed and officers had consulted with an oceanographer.

Both families continued to be supported by officers, Stevens said, while Quarrydale said it was offering support to the family as well as wellbeing care for all students.