Emergency services and HM Coastguard are in the area of Holmpton Road and are in the process of attempting to recover a body that was discovered among the rocks on Withernsea beach yesterday morning (Thursday, 15 January 2026).
Humberside Police in conjunction with HM Coastguard have released the following statement.
Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers said: “At around 8.30am, a body was discovered by Humberside Police Search Advisors, however due to tide times and conditions, despite every effort it was not possible to carry out a safe recovery before high tide. The location was secured overnight using specialist equipment, and a cordon remains in place around the area.
“Today (Friday, 16 January 2026), officers and specialist teams have been working to explore every possible option in very complex circumstances to delicately recover the body. However, due to tide times, conditions and the location, the recovery could not be immediately carried out and has therefore been paused until it is safe to resume.
“Whilst no formal identification has taken place at this time, we recognise that this discovery comes after 15-year-old Grace Keeling was swept into the water on Friday, 2 January 2026, and extensive searches have followed over the last thirteen days to locate her.
“I appreciate this update will understandably cause concern to members of the public, however I would like to offer my reassurance that we have a dedicated team of specialists who are doing everything they can in their efforts to carry out the recovery as safely and as quickly as possible.
“Specialist officers have been in contact with Grace’s family to make them aware of this discovery, and we would please ask people to refrain from speculation with consideration and respect for their privacy. We would also ask the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work safely.
“Further updates will be provided as soon as we are able to.”
