Three teenage workers from a diner near West Mersea beach dashed onto the sand on Wednesday (July 22) after spotting people in distress in the water. Police confirmed that a woman and a teenage girl tragically lost their lives in the incident, with a third person remaining in hospital with serious injuries.
Incident details
West Mersea beach in Essex was sealed off by officers on July 22 following reports of individuals struggling in the water. The West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team confirmed on Facebook early on Thursday that they had responded to an emergency near Seaview Avenue in West Mersea, Colchester, on Wednesday evening.
Three young employees from a nearby café rushed to the aid of a family who had got into difficulty in a 'rip tide'. The teenagers—all staff members at the Seaview Beach Cafe—were amongst the first to arrive at the scene after hearing a commotion outside.
Police statement
"We were called by the ambulance service at 5.35pm on Wednesday 22 July after reports that several people had got into difficulty in the water near Seaview Avenue," a spokesperson for the force confirmed. "Despite the efforts of the emergency services, we can sadly confirm that a teenage girl and a woman in her 40s have died. A third person remains in hospital in a serious condition. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those affected at this very difficult time."
