Strong Tide Kills 2 at West Mersea Beach, Leaving 7-Year-Old Critical
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 27
Strong Tide Kills 2 at West Mersea Beach, Leaving 7-Year-Old Critical
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 27
Summary
Six family members were swept off their feet while paddling at West Mersea beach on Wednesday, killing 41-year-old Shelina Rahman and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha.
A relative said a "very strong" tide hit as the group stood with their legs in the water, triggering panic and making rescue attempts difficult as the sea kept pushing people back.
Musa, 7, was airlifted to a London hospital and remains on life support, while three other relatives were taken to another hospital by ambulance.
Bystanders, including Craig Lowe, made repeated rescue attempts and performed CPR; the family said their actions prevented further deaths.
The account adds to police statements that the two victims were trying to help Musa after he got into difficulty, and has renewed criticism of limited beach warning signs.