Essex Police have identified a mother and her 15-year-old daughter who died after encountering difficulties in the water off Mersea Island beach.
Victims named
Shelina Rahman, 41, and Sameeha, from the Ilford area of London, were swimming together on Wednesday 22 July when they got into trouble near Mersea Island. The pair were part of a group of six family members, including three adults and three children, who had been in the water together.
In a statement, police said: "We are now in a position to confirm two people who died following an incident at the beach on Mersea Island as 41-year-old Shelina Rahman and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha."
Family efforts to help
"Six members of a family, including three adults and three children, had been in the water together on Wednesday 22 July when they got into difficulty. As a result of the situation, all members of the family made significant efforts to help each other. Very sadly, Shelina and Sameeha, from the Ilford area of London, died."
A seven-year-old boy was airlifted to a local hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Other family members were taken to hospital for treatment and are recovering.
Investigation ongoing
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher is leading the investigation. He said: "They had been enjoying a family day at the beach together when this tragedy happened. We are working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident and our enquiries are ongoing."
Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks, District Commander for Colchester, thanked the community for their response. "There were members of the public who rushed to help the family and I want to thank them for their courage and selflessness. Since this tragic incident we have also seen an outpouring of support and sympathy."
The family of Shelina and Sameeha have requested privacy. Anyone with information or footage is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1090 of July 22.
