Mom Plunges into Ocean to Save 15-Year-Old Daughter as Freak Wave Turns Fatal

A seaside outing turned into a devastating tragedy when a mother plunged into the ocean in a desperate attempt to save her teenage daughter after the girl was swept away by a powerful freak wave off England’s east coast.

Authorities say Sarah Keeling rushed into the freezing water after her daughter, Grace Keeling, was dragged into the sea near the coastal town of Withernsea on Friday afternoon. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as towering three-meter waves battered the shoreline and pulled multiple people under.

Emergency services later confirmed that a 67-year-old man died in the incident and that a second body was recovered from the sea. One person remains missing, while another was rescued alive.

Locals said the moment Grace was swept away happened in seconds. She was standing on steps leading down to the water when a massive wave slammed into the shoreline and dragged her into the surf.

Sarah ran in immediately, with bystanders following behind her.

People who witnessed the rescue attempts said the mother came just inches from grabbing her daughter before both were pulled under by the violent current.

Several passersby — including a waitress from a nearby café — also rushed into the water in an attempt to help.

Paul Whitehead, owner of the Castle Cafe near the scene, said his employee heard screams from the beach and ran outside without hesitation.

“The daughter was on the steps when a huge wave crashed into her and swept her out,” Whitehead said. “The current carried her down the beach. My member of staff heard what was happening and ran to help.

“There was a crowd all trying to get to the girl. Her mum was right there beside my colleague, and they both went into the water to try and pull her out. They were just inches away from grabbing her before the current took them both.”

Whitehead said his employee was left devastated but acted with incredible bravery.

Police later sealed off the steep steps near the town’s Pier Towers as rescue teams continued searching the treacherous waters. Throughout the weekend, mourners gathered at the site, laying flowers and paying tribute.

Residents say the area can be dangerous even in calmer weather.

“The waves can be very bad. It can be dangerous all year round,” said local resident Paul Sewell.

Another witness described conditions that afternoon as especially severe, with waves crashing violently against the rocks and steps.

Emergency calls reporting swimmers “in difficulty” came in just after 3 p.m. Responders from the RNLI, Humberside Police, ambulance crews, and fire and rescue teams battled brutal conditions, fading daylight, and freezing temperatures during the search.

A local Methodist church has opened its doors to support grieving families, and organizers say funds raised from a planned Boxing Day charity swim will be donated to those affected by the tragedy.

Search efforts for the missing person continue as the community mourns the lives lost and the bravery shown in the face of overwhelming danger.