Beach hero tells of attempt to save drowning girl and mum
A man named Craig Bowe attempted to rescue a mother and daughter who were drowning off the coast of Essex. Despite his heroic efforts to pull them from the water, both individuals tragically died, and a young boy involved in the incident remains in critical condition.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of coastal currents and the tragic outcomes of emergency rescue attempts during family outings.
Image source, Qays Najm/BBC Image caption, Craig and Carly Bowe were celebrating their daughter's 10th birthday when the tragedy unfolded
A day-tripper has told the BBC how he dived into the water to try to save a mother and daughter drowning off an Essex beach.
Craig Bowe, 42, battled the incoming tide at West Mersea, near Colchester, three times after hearing screams on Wednesday evening.
The kitchen fitter, who was on a day trip from Hertfordshire to celebrate his daughter's 10th birthday, managed to haul Shally and Samiha Rahman from the waves and also helped a seven-year-old boy onto a lifeboat.
Despite his efforts, the pair - aged 41 and 15 - died in the desperate attempt to bring the boy to shore .
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