Mother Selina Rahman and Daughter Samia Rahman Drown Off West Mersea Beach Trying To Save Boy

Drownings at West Mersea

A mother and teenage daughter drowned off West Mersea Beach near Colchester in Essex after getting into difficulty in the water while trying to help a seven-year-old boy, with emergency services called at 5:35pm on Wednesday evening. Essex Police said investigators believe the pair were trying to help the seven-year-old boy who had got into difficulties, and Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said, "At this stage we believe they were trying to help a seven-year-old boy who had got into difficulties." The BBC reported that a day-tripper, Craig Bowe, 42, battled the incoming tide at West Mersea three times after hearing screams, and he told the BBC, "When I got there, the first two people I saw were actually face down, so [it was] more serious than I initially thought."

The BBC said the boy was airlifted to hospital and remained in a critical condition on Friday, while three others were taken by ambulance to another hospital after the incident unfolded at about 17:35 BST. The Business Standard identified the victims as Selina Rahman, 42, and her 15-year-old daughter Samia Rahman, and said the family met with the tragic accident while visiting West Mersea Beach near Colchester in Essex in the afternoon.

Reporting for this sectionThe IndependentBBC

Rescue response and witnesses

Witnesses described people calling for help as the tide came in, and The Independent reported that paramedics said one patient was transported by air to hospital and a further three patients were transported by road to hospital.

Essex Police urged anyone who was at the beach at the time and had not yet spoken with officers to come forward, and Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said, "We would ask anyone who was at the beach at the time, and who has not yet spoken with officers, to please get in touch."

The BBC described Craig Bowe pulling Shally Rahman to shore where bystanders began administering CPR, then dashing back out to rescue her daughter, and Bowe said, "The waves were hitting me in the face. The current was definitely stronger."

The Independent quoted beach hut owner Beverly Smit, 60, saying, "By that time they were re-sussing the person on the beach, the helicopters were still in the fields," and she said the water was particularly cold.

The Business Standard said local police, lifeboat crew, a Coastguard helicopter and an air ambulance launched a rescue operation, and that despite their efforts all three were pronounced dead.

Reporting for this sectionThe IndependentBBC

Investigation, identities, and advice

Essex Police said they were working with the coroner to confirm identities, and The Independent reported that Shally Rahman, 41, and Samiha Rahman, 15, were visiting the beach for a day trip and were reportedly "not very good swimmers." The Business Standard said the family had been visiting West Mersea Beach near Colchester in Essex and that the accident happened after a high tide swept into the shoreline, with a young child caught in the strong current. The Telegraph reported that the victims were the wife and daughter of Dr Monsur Rahman, the leader of Jubo Dal UK, and quoted Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher saying, "Since yesterday we have been working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident."

The Independent said Prime minister Andy Burnham told ITV Anglia he was "so sad to hear the news" and added, "It does bring over, sometimes, the dangers of open water swimming at this time of the year." The BBC said the coastguard rescue team described it as a "tragic incident" and noted that West Mersea Beach does not have a permanent lifeguard service, with visitors frequently warned to be aware of changing conditions including unpredictable currents and rising water.

Reporting for this sectionThe TelegraphThe Independent