Very strong tide led to West Mersea drownings, relative says
A mother and her teenage daughter tragically drowned at West Mersea beach after being swept away by a strong tide. Family members and bystanders attempted to rescue the victims, with one child remaining in critical condition.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the unpredictable dangers of coastal tides and the importance of beach safety awareness.
Image source, Family handout Image caption, Sameeha and Shelina Rahman drowned at West Mersea beach on Wednesday
A mother and daughter who drowned off the Essex coast were swept out to sea by a "very strong" tide, a relative has said.
Shahin Ahmed said six members of his family were paddling at West Mersea beach when they were knocked off their feet on Wednesday afternoon.
Shelina Rahman, 41, and 15-year-old Sameeha, died in the tragedy , while Ahmed's seven-year-old son Musa was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
Ahmed said his son, who is from east London, remained on a life support machine at a hospital in London.
Three others were also taken to another hospital by ambulance after the incident. Ahmed said 12 of them were visiting West Mersea that day.
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