"suddenly a big wave came."
A mother and daughter have died after getting into difficulty in the water at West Mersea beach in Essex.
Police believe the pair entered the sea while trying to help a seven-year-old boy, who remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Emergency services were called to the beach near Colchester at approximately 5:35 pm on July 22, 2026.
The victims have been identified as Shally Rahman and her 15-year-old daughter Samiha Rahman.
Essex Police believe they drowned during the incident.
Officers have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances.
Witnesses reported seeing a group standing on a seabank as the tide came in before hearing cries for help.
Paramedics, coastguard teams, lifeboats and air ambulance crews responded to the emergency.
One casualty was airlifted to hospital, while three others were taken by road ambulance.
Speaking to the BBC, Shally’s brother-in-law, Matiur Rahman, described the family’s devastation.
He said: “We are speechless. We can’t believe what we heard from my brother. We are very shocked.”
He explained that around ten relatives had been enjoying a family day trip near the water when “suddenly a big wave came”.
Family friend Mishba Uddin said the families had travelled from East London and Barking for the seaside visit.
He described them as a “very nice and likeable family”.
Mr Uddin also said Shally Rahman’s husband is a doctor and the family is of Bangladeshi heritage.
Resident Beverly Smit witnessed the extensive emergency response after hearing helicopters overhead.
She said rescuers were treating a casualty on the beach while helicopters remained nearby.
Ms Smit added that another visitor told her the incoming tide made conditions extremely difficult.
She said: “It’s not an easy swim when the tide’s coming in.
“You’re swimming against the tide, and the water yesterday was particularly quite cold.”
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said officers’ thoughts remain with the family following the tragedy.
He thanked witnesses who have already assisted investigators and urged anyone with information or footage to contact Essex Police by calling 101 and quoting incident 1090.
A spokesperson for Park Holidays UK, which owns the neighbouring West Mersea Holiday Park, expressed condolences to everyone affected.
The company confirmed the family involved were not guests staying at the holiday park.
The seven-year-old boy remains in hospital as Essex Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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