Police identify victims of Mersea Island drowning
Essex Police have named a mother and her teenage daughter who died after getting into difficulty in the water off an Essex beach. Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha were among six family members in the water near Mersea Island on Wednesday July 22.
The force confirmed that two other adults and two additional children were also in the water at the time of the incident. All family members made significant efforts to help each other, but Shelina and Sameeha, from the Ilford area of London, died.
Critical condition for young boy
A seven-year-old boy was flown to a nearby hospital where he remains in a critical condition. Several other family members were taken to hospital for treatment and are recovering.
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher is leading the investigation. He stated: "We are working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident and our enquiries are ongoing. We have spoken to a number of key witnesses and will continue to do so over the coming days and will work with partners including the fire service, local council, and coastguard."
Community praised for response
Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks, District Commander for Colchester, praised the community's 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."
Specialist officers continue to support the family. The family of Shelina and Sameeha have requested privacy and do not wish to be contacted. Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Essex Police on 101, quoting incident 1090 of July 22.
