Witnesses describe 'horrific' scene as mother and teenager drown at beach in attempt to save 7-year-old boy
A mother and daughter have tragically died after attempting to save a seven-year-old boy who was out swimming at a beach in Essex.
Emergency services were called to the scene at West Mersea yesterday (22 July) at around 5pm after a group of people got into trouble in the water.
Sadly, despite the efforts of the rescue teams, the teenage girl and the woman died at the scene, while a third person remains in serious condition in hospital.
The family have since confirmed the identifies of the victims, naming them as Shally Rahman, 42, and daughter Samiha Rahman, 15.
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Essex Police said that the three people are thought to have known each other.
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: "Today, our thoughts remain with the family members who are coming to terms with their loss.
"We are grateful to the people who have already spoken to us and helped with our enquiries.
"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, to help us understand what happened."
Local woman Rita Coombs spoke to the BBC after witnessing emergency services attending the scene, where they appeared to be giving CPR to three different people and treating others.
She said: "It was absolutely horrific. I can't praise the emergency services [enough], it was beyond all belief, they worked so hard."
Coombs said they were desperate to help the emergency services during the 'nightmare that was unfolding', while the area has been left 'very quiet' following yesterday's incident.
She added: "The feeling was we just wanted to go out and help. Our hearts were going out to these people fighting for their lives.
"It's a very sad island at the moment.
"We're just sending our thoughts to the people that have passed and the people left behind. It's tragic, absolutely tragic."
West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said its volunteers were among the first to arrive.
A spokesperson said: "Tonight, we have responded to a tragic incident on West Mersea beach. Our team and West Mersea Lifeboat Station - RNLI were first on scene.
"We will not be making any further comment on the details at this time and leave this task to Essex Police as an ongoing incident.
"Our thoughts are with the family involved. Thank you to our colleagues West Mersea Fire Station and East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust."
Meanwhile, the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed this morning that a further three people were taken to hospital by land ambulance, as well as the aforementioned person who was taken by air ambulance.
Bob Jenkins, mayor of West Mersea, issued a warning about the dangerous waters while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning.
He said: "The tide comes in quite fast, it goes out quite fast. There is always some element of risk and people need to be, and are, very careful, he said.
"This incident is extraordinarily rare and very saddening. I'm sure I speak on behalf of the whole community here - that we all pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends and we'll be thinking of them at this very difficult time."
Topics: UK News
James Moorhouse