A mother and daughter who drowned off the Essex coast were swept out to sea by a “very strong” tide, a relative has told BBC News.
Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha died after the incident at West Mersea beach on Wednesday afternoon. Shahin Ahmed said six members of his family had been paddling when they were knocked off their feet.
Ahmed’s seven-year-old son Musa was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition and remained on a life support machine at a London hospital, the BBC reported. Three other people were taken to another hospital by ambulance.
Ahmed said 12 family members had been visiting West Mersea and were about 20 minutes from leaving when the emergency happened. He told the Bangladeshi newspaper Surma News that the waves had appeared small while members of the group had their legs in the water, but that one tide hit them hard and caused panic.
He said he had been packing the car when he was alerted and ran back to the beach, but was unable to swim out because the water kept pushing him back.
Bystanders helped during the emergency, including Craig Lowe, who made three rescue attempts. Ahmed thanked those who responded and credited Lowe with preventing further deaths.
Essex Police Det Ch Insp Al Pitcher previously said the Rahmans had been trying to help Musa after he got into difficulty in the water.
Ahmed said the beach did not have adequate signs warning of the danger. Colchester City Council and West Mersea Town Council said water safety signs would be installed in due course.
