Two members of the same family have died and a seven-year-old boy remains in a critical condition after a multiple-casualty incident at West Mersea Beach on 22 July, Essex Police have confirmed.
Police continue inquiries and support for family
The victims have been named by the force as Sameeha Rahman, 15, and her mother Shelina Rahman, 41, both from Ilford in east London. They were among six relatives who got into difficulty in the water near Seaview Avenue in the early evening. A seven-year-old boy, Musa Ahmed, was airlifted to hospital where he remains critically ill.
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher, leading the investigation, said investigators are working to establish the circumstances of the incident and are speaking to a number of witnesses. He confirmed police are continuing to support the family of the deceased as inquiries proceed.
“We are continuing to support Shelina and Sameeha’s family through this extremely difficult time. We are working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident and our inquiries are ongoing.”
Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks, district commander for Colchester, praised local residents for their swift response and said the community had shown resilience in the wake of the tragedy.
Response and wider hospital treatment
Essex Police said several other relatives were also taken to hospital following the incident and are now recovering. Emergency services, including the East of England Ambulance Service, were called at 5.35pm on 22 July after reports of multiple people in difficulty in the water. One patient was transported by air and three were taken by road ambulance, according to the ambulance service.
- Location: West Mersea Beach, near Seaview Avenue
- Date and time: 22 July; emergency call at 5.35pm
- Fatalities: Sameeha Rahman (15) and Shelina Rahman (41)
- Critical injury: Musa Ahmed (7), airlifted to hospital
Essex Police said family members had made "significant efforts to help each other" during the incident and that a number of members of the public also rushed to assist.
“There were members of the public who rushed to help the family and I want to thank them for their courage and selflessness,”
The force added it is working with partner agencies, including the fire service, the local council and the coastguard, as it continues enquiries. Further updates are expected as investigators speak with more witnesses and consolidate evidence.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emergency call | 5.35pm, 22 July |
| Fatalities | 2 (mother and daughter, Ilford) |
| Critical | Boy, aged 7, airlifted to hospital |
Local residents and visitors are asked to follow any safety advice issued by the coastguard and local authorities while enquiries continue. Anyone with information about the incident who has not yet spoken to police is asked to come forward.
