Hero swimmer helped two children at West Mersea beach tragedy

Eyewitnesses say a heroic day hiker managed to pull the two children to shore during the incident in which a mother and her daughter drowned.

Beverly Smit, 60, said the unnamed rescuer swam out to sea three times during the tragedy at West Mersea, near Colchester, on Wednesday evening.

41-year-old Shally Rahman and 15-year-old Samiha Rahman lost their lives in a difficult situation while trying to save a seven-year-old child from the water.

Essex Police said the group, from Barking in east London, were related and the boy remained in hospital fighting for his life.

Recalling the moment when the “Good Samaritan” took action, Smit said: “They were calling for help, children and adults were there too.

“I think he swam three times. Two of the kids he brought were not in good shape.

“It’s not easy to swim when the tide comes; you swim against the current. [on Wednesday] “It was particularly cold.”