A seven-year-old boy, Musa Ahmed, has died in hospital a week after an incident off West Mersea beach that earlier claimed the lives of his 15-year-old cousin and her mother, police have confirmed.
What is known so far
The boy was pulled from the sea on 22 July and treated for life-threatening injuries at hospital. His death follows the earlier confirmed fatalities of Shelina Rahman, 41, and her daughter Sameeha, 15, who died after going into the water while trying to help the child.
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 22 July | Incident off West Mersea near Seaview Avenue / Sea View Holiday Park | Three taken to hospital; two deceased at scene or after |
| Week following 22 July | Seven-year-old Musa Ahmed treated for life-threatening injuries | Musa has since died |
Essex Police were called by the ambulance service at 5.35pm on 22 July after reports several people got into difficulty in the water. The East of England Ambulance Service later confirmed one patient was airlifted and three were taken by road to hospital.
Family response and calls for action
The family released a statement thanking staff at the Royal London Hospital intensive care unit for their care and dignity, and asked for privacy while they grieve.
“We would like to thank the Royal London hospital intensive care unit team of doctors and nurses who demonstrated outstanding care and dignity whilst we have been at the hospital. We would also like to thank the whole community for their support and prayers. We would appreciate privacy during this very difficult time.”
Shahin Ahmed, the boy’s father, urged a review of safety measures at West Mersea beach. He supported local residents’ calls for better provision of life-saving equipment and clearer warning signage to help prevent similar tragedies.
“I strongly agree with the calls from local residents for a review of safety measures at West Mersea beach, including the provision of additional life-saving equipment and clear warning signage,”
Community and context
Those involved are understood to have been on a summer holiday at Sea View Holiday Park when a heavy incoming tide reportedly caused sand beneath them to give way and swept them into the water. The deaths have shaken the local community and revived debate about safety at tidal beaches that can change rapidly.
- Three adults and three children were reported to have got into difficulty during the incident.
- One person was airlifted to hospital; three were taken to hospital by road.
- Investigations are being led by Essex Police, with DCI Al Pitcher heading the inquiry.
Local residents and visitors are being reminded that tidal conditions around Mersea Island can be hazardous and can change quickly. Calls from the family and community for a formal review of signage, public information and rescue equipment are likely to prompt local authority and emergency-services scrutiny.
Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service were involved in the immediate response. The family connections of those who died have been reported: Mrs Rahman’s husband is Mansur Rahman, and her father is Mujibur Rahman, both linked with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s UK structure, though no political aspects are said to be relevant to the incident itself.
The force is continuing its enquiries into the circumstances that led to this fatal incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police.
