Witnesses describe moment hero civilian helped two children during Essex beach tragedy
Witnesses have described the moment a heroic holidaymaker helped several children return to shore safely after a mother and daughter drowned on the Essex coast.
The man, believed to be on a day trip to West Mersea beach near Colchester, reportedly heard the group’s “cry for help” and swam “three times” to help pull the boys out of the water.
The man renting a nearby beach shack brought back more than one child, said beach shack owner Beverly Smit, 60. “Two of the kids he brought back were not in good condition,” he said.
He continued: “He saw it and they were calling for help, there were children and adults out there too. I think he swam three times. It’s not easy swimming when the tide is coming in, you’re swimming against the current, the water was particularly cold yesterday.”
41-year-old Shally Rahman and 15-year-old Samiha Rahman died after being forced into the water on Wednesday evening. Police said they believe they were trying to help a 7-year-old boy who was currently in critical condition.
Police said everyone involved in the incident is believed to be connected.
The grieving family stated that they were “speaking and shocked” by the tragedy and described the mother and daughter as “not very good swimmers”.
Matiur Rahman, Shally Rahman’s brother-in-law, told the BBC that about 10 members of his family were playing by the water when “a big wave suddenly came.”
“We all feel so bad, my four brothers, my sister… everyone in the UK and back home [in Bangladesh]he added.
“My whole family is speechless. We can’t believe what we heard from my brother. We are so shocked.”
Mishba Uddin, a family friend of the deceased, told the press that the families involved had traveled from east London and Barking for the day.
He said his father was a doctor of Bangladeshi origin but “only knew the grandfather very well.”
“They are such a lovely, lovely family,” Mr Uddin added.
Police said they had spoken to “dozens” of witnesses to establish the full circumstances of the incident and their thoughts were with the family.
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: “My thoughts and those of my team are with the friends and family of the woman and girl who died yesterday.
“We can now confirm that they are a mother and daughter from London, supporting their family during an unimaginable time.
“We have been trying to determine the circumstances that caused this incident since yesterday. At this stage, we think they are trying to help the 7-year-old child who is in a difficult situation.
“The boy was taken to hospital and is in a critical condition, but unfortunately the woman and the young girl lost their lives. Everyone involved in this incident has relatives.
“As part of our investigation we are speaking to and taking statements from dozens of witnesses and getting a picture of what happened. These investigations are ongoing and I would urge anyone with any information to get in touch.”
He also thanked first responders at the scene, who he said worked “tirelessly” to save their lives.
