Colchester Council has confirmed an independent beach risk assessment 'did not recommend the installation of public rescue equipment' on the Mersea beach where a mother and daughter died this week. The risk assessment took place just four months before this week's tragedy.
According to the local council, the assessment concluded that, due to factors including the beach profile, tidal range and lateral currents, 'public rescue equipment would be unlikely to be deployed effectively in an emergency and was therefore not recommended.'
Details of the incident
Essex Police confirmed a mum and her daughter – named as Shally Rahman, 41, and Samiha, 15 – died after getting into difficulty in water on Mersea Island at around 5.35pm on Wednesday 22 July. Shally and Samiha had tried to save Samiha's seven-year-old cousin from the water near Seaview Avenue at West Mersea Island Beach. The mother and daughter were reportedly caught in the high tide and, despite efforts of teenagers on the beach, were pronounced dead at the scene. The little boy is fighting for his life in hospital.
Witness accounts
Beach hut owner Beverly Smit, 60, of West Mersea, said she heard the emergency response and went to see what was going on. Ms Smit said: 'By that time they were re-sussing the person on the beach, the helicopters were still in the fields.' She said she spoke to a day tripper who had rented a neighbouring beach hut and had tried to help. 'He saw and they were calling for help and the children and adults were out there. He swam out I think three times.'
'Two of the children he brought back were not in good condition. It's not an easy swim when the tide's coming in, you're swimming against the tide, the water yesterday was particularly quite cold.' The beach hut owner added that she and members of her rowing club have helped save people in the sea previously. Ms Smit described the incident as a 'massive scale of rescue and tragedy really.'
Police and Prime Minister statements
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: 'My thoughts, and those of my team, are with the friends and family of the woman and girl who died yesterday. We can now confirm they were a mother and daughter from London and we are supporting their family in what is an unimaginable time.' He added: 'Since yesterday we have been working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident. At this stage we believe they were trying to help a seven year-old boy who had got into difficulties.'
'The boy was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition but the woman and teenage girl, sadly, died. All the people involved in this incident are related to each other. As part of our investigation we are working through speaking to dozens of witnesses and taking their accounts, and we are building a picture of what happened. These enquiries are ongoing and I need anyone who has any information to get in contact.'
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was 'so sad to hear the news' but admitted he did not have the details of the case. He added: 'It does bring over, sometimes, the dangers of open water swimming at this time of the year. I just would ask people to consider that. But thank you to the emergency services who stepped in and of course, you know, we will work to support the local authorities as we get to the bottom of this.'
Council response
A Colchester Council spokesperson said: 'We are aware of views that have been expressed regarding additional public rescue equipment. However, decisions on water safety measures are informed by professional risk assessments and advice from specialist organisations. As part of our risk assessment process for the site, the council commissioned an independent RLSS UK beach risk assessment in March 2026, which did not recommend the installation of public rescue equipment within the assessed area of West Mersea beach.'
'The assessment concluded that, due to factors including the beach profile, tidal range and lateral currents, public rescue equipment would be unlikely to be deployed effectively in an emergency and was therefore not recommended on that stretch of coastline. We continue to work closely with partner organisations through the Mersea Water Safety Forum, a multi-agency partnership that brings together organisations with expertise and responsibilities in water safety.'
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Local Government Reorganisation, Communities and Public Protection, added: 'Everyone at Colchester City Council is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two people following the incident at West Mersea. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and all those affected by this devastating incident. We would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who responded. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of taking care in and around the water. We encourage everyone visiting any coastline this summer to follow water safety advice and take appropriate precautions to help keep themselves and others safe.'
