A mother and her daughter died after encountering trouble in the sea at West Mersea beach in Essex. Authorities think the two went into the water to assist a seven-year-old boy who is still receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries. Emergency crews arrived at the location near Colchester around 5:35 pm on July 22, 2026. The deceased have been named as Shally Rahman and her fifteen-year-old daughter Samiha Rahman. Essex Police suspect drowning as the cause and have started an inquiry into the events. Reports indicate a group was on a seabank when the tide rose, followed by calls for assistance. Paramedics, coastguard, lifeboats and an air ambulance attended the scene. One person was flown to hospital while three others traveled by road. Shally’s brother-in-law told the BBC the family is in shock after learning the news from relatives. He noted that about ten family members were on a day out when a large wave suddenly appeared. A family acquaintance said the group had come from East London and Barking for the outing and described them as pleasant people. The acquaintance added that Shally’s husband works as a doctor and the family has Bangladeshi roots. A local resident saw the large emergency presence after helicopters flew overhead and heard that the rising tide created hazardous conditions. Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said the force is supporting the family and asked anyone with details or recordings to call 101 referencing incident 1090. The operator of the nearby holiday park offered condolences but confirmed the family were not staying there. The boy remains in hospital while the investigation continues.
