A mother and her teenage daughter lost their lives on Wednesday evening after getting into difficulty in the sea at West Mersea beach near Colchester, Essex, while trying to help a young relative. Essex Police confirmed that a woman in her 40s and a 15-year-old girl died despite extensive efforts by emergency services. A third person remained in hospital in a serious condition, with others treated for non-life-threatening injuries. All those involved are understood to have been related.

The incident unfolded around 5.30–5.35pm on 22 July 2026 near Seaview Avenue and the Sea View Holiday Park area of the popular beach. Reports indicated that a young child—described in accounts as a seven-year-old boy or family member—got into trouble while on or near a sandbank as the tide came in rapidly. The mother, named in reports as Selina or Shelina Rahman (around 41), and her daughter Samia or Samiha Rahman, 15, entered the water in an attempt to help. Strong currents and the fast-rising tide quickly overwhelmed them.

Witnesses described a chaotic and distressing scene. One local said the tide “comes in very quickly” and that people on the sandbank were caught out. Another recounted seeing people struggling, with members of the public and local teenagers rushing to assist, pulling people from the water where possible. CPR was reportedly performed on the beach. Family friend Mishba Uddin said the mother and daughter “were not very good swimmers” and had simply been enjoying a day out. He noted the community was in shock. A source close to the family told reporters that the grandmother watched helplessly as her daughter and granddaughter were swept away.

Emergency response was large-scale. West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI West Mersea lifeboat were among the first on scene, with the Clacton RNLI lifeboat also launching. Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service (including its Hazardous Area Response Team and critical care paramedics), two air ambulances, and a Coastguard helicopter all attended. At least six ambulances, around a dozen police vehicles, a fire engine and other units converged on the area. Officers later searched the shoreline with torches as light faded. Police asked the public to stay away from Seaview Avenue and the beach while the operation continued.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed multiple resources were sent following reports of people in distress in the water. Despite best efforts, two patients could not be resuscitated. One was taken by air ambulance and three others by road to hospital. West Mersea Coastguard described it as a “tragic incident” and said their thoughts were with the family involved, declining further comment while police led the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher of Essex Police said: “Today, our thoughts remain with the family members who are coming to terms with their loss. We are grateful to the people who have already spoken to us and helped with our enquiries. We would ask anyone who was at the beach at the time, and who has not yet spoken with officers, to please get in touch, to help us understand what happened.” Police later confirmed the victims were a teenage girl and a woman in her 40s, that those involved knew each other, and appealed for any information or footage under incident 1090 via 101.

West Mersea is a well-known tourist spot on Mersea Island, popular for its shingle beach, colourful beach huts, holiday parks and proximity to Colchester. It attracts families, especially during school holidays. However, the area is recognised for strong currents and rapidly changing tides that can catch people unaware, particularly around sandbanks. Locals have previously raised concerns about safety. One resident recalled a similar incident years earlier in which a man died while attempting to rescue his son, and noted long-standing calls for better measures such as swimming rafts closer to shore.

The family involved is reported to be from east London (with connections mentioned to Barking) and of Bangladeshi heritage; the father of the teenage girl is understood to be a doctor. They had come to the beach for a day out. Tributes and community reactions highlighted the mother’s reputation as a helpful person and teacher in some accounts. The speed with which the situation deteriorated—from a pleasant summer afternoon to a major multi-agency rescue—left many beachgoers traumatised. One witness described it as “like a nightmare,” with people shouting, crying and heads in hands as the scale of the emergency became clear.

As of the latest updates, the investigation continued, with the beach partially cordoned overnight and returning toward normal activity the following day. The RNLI and coastguard stressed the ongoing need for public awareness of coastal hazards. West Mersea’s combination of accessible shoreline, shifting sands and tidal range makes vigilance essential: checking tide times, staying within designated safe areas, supervising children closely, and recognising that conditions can change far faster than many expect.

This tragedy underscores the dual nature of Britain’s beaches in summer—places of joy and relaxation that demand respect for the sea’s power. Emergency services, members of the public and local teenagers responded with courage under pressure. The focus now remains on supporting the bereaved family and learning any lessons that might prevent similar losses. Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police.