Father Recounts Helpless Rescue Attempt After 7-Year-Old Dies in West Mersea Beach Tragedy
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 3
Father Recounts Helpless Rescue Attempt After 7-Year-Old Dies in West Mersea Beach Tragedy
1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 3
Summary
Shahin Ahmed said he was repeatedly driven back by waves as he tried to reach his family after screams erupted at West Mersea beach on 22 July.
Musa Ahmed, 7, was pulled from the water and airlifted to the Royal London Hospital but died on 28 July, six days after the incident.
A very strong tide swept Musa and five relatives into difficulty; his teenage cousin and her mother died at the scene, while three others were taken to hospital and later said to be recovering.
Bystanders including Craig Bowe made repeated rescue attempts and administered CPR, while Ahmed thanked locals and emergency crews for acting to help his family.
The deaths have intensified calls for better beach safety, with Colchester City Council and West Mersea Town Council saying warning signs will be installed as Ahmed pushes first-aid and water-safety training.