A seven-year-old boy is reported to be critically ill after a family beach tragedy claimed the life of a London mother and her teenage daughter.
Shally Rahman, 42, and 15-year-old Samiha died trying to rescue the boy who got into trouble in water off a beach in West Mersea, Essex, on Wednesday evening.
Emergency services were called to the beach in West Mersea shortly after 5.30pm amid reports that several people had got into trouble in the water amid high tides.
A younger child, said to be a cousin of Samiha, remained in hospital overnight. Two more people were also in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
It is understood that the family, who are of Bangladeshi heritage, were visiting West Mersea from their home in east London.
The victims have been named as Shally Rahman, 42, and daughter Samiha Rahman, 15.
Follow the latest updates below...
Seven-year-old boy remains in serious condition
14:32 , Niva Yadav
A seven-year-old remains in a serious condition following the incident at West Mersea.
It is understood that the child is a cousin of Samiha Rahman, who tragically died in the incident.
Council responds to calls for safety
13:40 , Niva Yadav
Colchester Council has responded to calls for better safety in West Mersea.
In a statement to the Mirror, a spokesperson from the council said "decisions on water safety measures" are "informed by professional risk assessments and advice from specialist organisations".
The statement added: "As part of our risk assessment process for the site, the council commissioned an independent RLSS UK beach risk assessment in March 2026, which did not recommend the installation of public rescue equipment within the assessed area of West Mersea beach.
"The assessment concluded that, due to factors including the beach profile, tidal range and lateral currents, public rescue equipment would be unlikely to be deployed effectively in an emergency and was therefore not recommended on that stretch of coastline.
"We continue to work closely with partner organisations through the Mersea Water Safety Forum, a multi-agency partnership that brings together organisations with expertise and responsibilities in water safety.
"Together, the forum assesses local risks and develops and implements measures to help improve safety in and around the water."
Where is West Mersea?
13:20 , Niva Yadav
Mersea Island is a tidal island in Essex. It’s split into two main areas, West Mersea and East Mersea.
Both are connected to the mainland by a causeway, which can flood at high tide, cutting the island off from the mainland.
It’s been a popular holiday destination in the UK, known for its oysters and sea front shops.
Locals have long called for safety measures
13:00 , Niva Yadav
Locals have long called for better safety measures in West Mersea.
For those without local knowledge, the area is particularly dangerous as the two sandbanks dip off into deep water during periods of high tide.
It can be very easy to get swept up into currents, with many questioning why there are no warning signs in the area.
Others have suggested signage that explains what to do when stuck in a rip tide.
WATCH: 'They're not very good swimmers' says family friend
12:40 , Niva Yadav
The family friend of Shally and Samiha Rahman has said Shally and Samiha had attempted to save one of the “little ones” when they were swept away in the current.
He said that as far as he knew, neither of them were “very good swimmers.”
You can watch the full interview here:
Pictured: Shally Rahman and Samiha Rahman
12:20 , Niva Yadav
Shally Rahman and her daughter Samiha were pictured for the first time yesterday since news broke of their death at West Mersea beach.
The family has been described as “lovely” with other reports adding that their loved ones are struggling to come to terms with their deaths.
The mother and daughter were part of a group of 10 family members who had travelled from east London to West Mersea for a day trip.
Everything you need to know
12:00 , Niva Yadav
The incident at West Mersea on Wednesday has sent shockwaves through the local community.
You can find out everything you need to know here:
Mother and teenage daughter from east London drown in day-trip horror
Colchester City Council ‘deeply saddened’ by ‘tragic loss’
11:45 , Niva Yadav
Colchester City Council has said everyone is “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a mother and daughter following the incident at West Mersea yesterday.”
In a social media post, the council shared its condolences with the family during “this unimaginably difficult time” and thanked the emergency services for their efforts.
Everyone at Colchester City Council is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a mother and daughter following the incident at West Mersea yesterday.
— Colchester City Council (@yourcolchester) July 23, 2026
Family members relive tragedy
11:30 , Niva Yadav
Shally’s brother-in-law, who told the BBC that he found out about the tragedy over a phone call from his brother.
"They went in Colchester, (to the) seaside and they were near water and playing with them then suddenly a big wave came," he said.
Another family friend, Mishba Uddin, said he believed a young child had got into trouble in the water at West Mersea beach, and an older cousin then tried to help.
He added that the family were “just a working class family going for a day out” and as far as he knew the mother and teenage girl who died “were not very good swimmers”.
Witnesses say heroic bystander saved two children
11:15 , Niva Yadav
Witnesses have said a heroic bystander saved two children.
Beverly Smit, 60, told the BBC that an unnamed swimmer swam out to sea three times as the tragedy unfolded on Wednesday evening.
She said: "They were calling for help and the children and adults were out there.
"He swam out, I think, three times. Two of the children he brought back were not in good condition.
"It's not an easy swim when the tide's coming in - you're swimming against the tide. The water [on Wednesday] was particularly quite cold."
Teens forced to stop people from recording
11:00 , Niva Yadav
A group of teenagers were among the first to the scene of the incident on Wednesday evening, the Mirror reported.
Leonie Powling, 19, worked in a local diner and ran down to the beach after being alerted of the incident.
She said: "We saw some people on the beach, and there were still some casualties in the water. We started running around, trying to find anyone with a kayak or a paddleboard. We couldn't just run into the water because there was a riptide, and everyone would've just been sucked in.
"We were sat with a casualty making sure she was okay. There was another casualty we got out of the water, who was struggling to breathe at that point. One of the workers went up to her, patted her on the back and said: 'You need to make yourself throw up.'
"We got some people out, safe and okay. One is in serious condition, but will hopefully get better. With the other two, we're just thinking about the family. It's heartbreaking."
Her father, a Colchester City councillor, added that the teens were then forced to stop people from recording the tragedy on their phones.
Have there ever been similar incidents at West Mersea beach?
10:50 , Niva Yadav
West Mersea beach is safe, but can be hazardous when tides shift. The hidden sandbanks and powerful currents can make it especially dangerous for those without local knowledge of the beach.
Just three years ago, David Cole, 30, died at the beach while trying to save his toddler, after they were swept away by a powerful riptide.
Mr Cole was able to hold his three-year-old son’s head above water until they were rescued by volunteer lifeguards, but unfortunately lost his life after suffering exhaustion.
Tory MP shares his 'sadness and shock'
10:31 , Niva Yadav
Tory MP Bernard Jenkin also shared his sadness and shock after the tragedy.
In a social media post, the MP for Harwich and North Essex said: “I am very sad and shocked about what has happened – I have been the MP for 34 years and nothing like this has happened in Mersea before in my living memory.”
He went on to issue a warning about swimming in seas where you may not have “local knowledge” of the waters.
“West Mersea beach is a very safe beach, but water is inherently dangerous – the sea is a dangerous thing and it has to be treated with respect.
“If you don’t have local knowledge, you should not venture where you may be putting yourself in danger without realising it.”
I am sad and shocked to hear of the serious incident off the beach in #WestMersea. We cannot speculate about what happened, but the response has been fantastic. I thank @HMCoastguard who will have been first on the scene and all the emergency services. We await further news and…
— Bernard Jenkin MP (@bernardjenkin) July 23, 2026
Labour MP shares touching tribute to 'lovely family'
10:10 , Niva Yadav
A Labour MP, who was known to the family, shared a touching tribute following the death of Ms Shally Rahman and her daughter Samiha Rahman.
Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West, told the Daily Mail: “They're a lovely, lovely family, I'm absolutely heartbroken for them, it's sent shockwaves through the community.
“I just can't believe what's happened. I've spoken to the family, and I just broke down - I've got a 14-year-old myself.
“I would just reiterate to people to follow water safety advice. And my thanks to the emergency services [who responded to the incident].”
Seven-year-old in serious condition
10:05 , Niva Yadav
A seven-year-old is understood to be in a serious condition following Wednesday’s tragedy.
It is believed that he is a family member, likely a cousin of Samiha
Everything we know so far
09:54 , Niva Yadav
The local community of West Mersea was left in shock by a tragedy that took place on the beach on Wednesday evening. The beach remained closed for most of Thursday, with local authorities still conducting enquiries. Here’s what we know so far
- A mother and her daughter died in a beach tragedy while on a trip to the seaside in Essex
- They have been named as Shally Rahman, 42, and her daughter Samiha, 15, from east London
- They died while trying to rescue a seven-year-old child, understood to be Samiha’s cousin at the beach in West Mersea
- The child is reported to be in a critical condition in hospital after being rescued from the sea
- Ms Rahman is reported to be the wife of Dr Monsur Rahman, the leader of Jubo Dal UK, the youth wing of BNP.
- Tributes have poured in since the deaths were confirmed by local authorities. A Labour MP known to the family spoke out about her shock upon hearing of the incident.
- Andy Burnham said he was “so sad to hear the news”, but added he did not have the details.
Tributes left at West Mersea beach
Thursday 23 July 2026 19:43 , Tom Place
A number of floral tributes have been left at the scene on the beach at West Mersea.
One bouquet of sunflowers has a note that reads: "For a courageous mother and a brave young girl. RIP. Love and thoughts to your family."
Other flowers and trinkets have been left by members of the public, as well as members of the coastguard who have paid their respects.
Police ask those with information to come forward
Thursday 23 July 2026 18:19 , Alastair Lockhart
Following a statement confirming the two victims were mother and daughter, police asked anyone with information to come forward.
This includes eyewitnesses and anyone who may have relevant footage.
Essex Police also said that the victims’ family had asked for privacy following the tragedy.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Anyone who was in the area at the time and has information or footage which may assist our investigation is asked to contact us on 101 and quote incident 1090.”
Who are the London victims of the Essex beach drowning tragedy?
Thursday 23 July 2026 17:17 , Tom Place
A mother and her teenage daughter have died in a beach tragedy while on trip to the seaside in Essex.
They have been named by family as Shally Rahman, 42, and her daughter Samiha 15, from east London.
A seven-year-old child was in a serious condition in hospital, according to reports, after being rescued from the sea off West Mersea beach, near Colchester, Essex.
You can read everything we know about the tragedy so far here:
Who are the London victims of the Essex beach tragedy?
Essex Police issue statement
Thursday 23 July 2026 17:01 , Tom Place
Essex Police has issued a statement following the deaths of a woman and girl on Wednesday.
Det Ch Insp Al Pitcher from Essex Police said: "My thoughts, and those of my team, are with the friends and family of the woman and girl who died yesterday.
“Since yesterday we have been working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident. At this stage we believe they were trying to help a seven-year-old boy who had got into difficulties.
“The boy was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition but the woman and teenage girl, sadly, died.
“All the people involved in this incident are related to each other."
Police have said that they were speaking to "dozens of witnesses" as part of the investigation, and urged anyone who might have more information to get in touch.
Brother-in-law pays tribute
Thursday 23 July 2026 16:45 , Tom Place
The brother-in-law of the mother who died in Essex in Wednesday has spoken of the family’s shock following the incident.
Shally Rahman, 42, and Samiha Rahman, 15, died after reportedly trying to rescue a seven-year-old family member from the water in Essex.
Matiur Rahman told the BBC: "We all feel very bad, my four brothers, my sister... everybody in the UK and back home [in Bangladesh].
"My whole family - we are speechless. We can't believe what we heard from my brother. We are very shocked."
Speaking about his sister-in-law, he added: "Shally was a helpful person. She was a housewife and looked after the kids. She was very good actually."
Burnham talks of dangers of open water swimming
Thursday 23 July 2026 16:21 , Tom Place
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will support local authorities following the death of a teenage girl and a woman who got into trouble in water off the Essex coast.
Mr Burnham told ITV Anglia he was “so sad to hear the news” but added: “I don’t have the details at this moment in time.”
He added: “It does bring over, sometimes, the dangers of open water swimming at this time of the year.
“I just would ask people to consider that.
“But thank you to the emergency services who stepped in and of course, you know, we will work to support the local authorities as we get to the bottom of this.”
'Just a working-class family going for a day out'
Thursday 23 July 2026 16:10 , Tom Place
Family friend Mishba Uddin, of Colchester, visited the scene at West Mersea on Thursday.
He said that those involved “all came from London, they live in east London, one family live in Barking as far as I know, I don’t know about the other family”.
Mr Uddin said he believed a young child had got into trouble in the water, and that an older cousin then tried to help.
He said the child in a critical condition after the incident was a seven-year-old who was the cousin of the deceased child – a teenage girl, who Mr Uddin said was aged 15.
He said he heard that “the little one got into trouble then the other one tried to save” them.
He said the family were “just a working-class family going for a day out”.
“We as a whole community are in shock actually,” he said.
Mr Uddin said that as far as he knew the mother and teenage girl who died “were not very good swimmers”.
What we know so far
Thursday 23 July 2026 16:00 , Niva Yadav
A seaside tragedy in Essex has sent shockwaves through the local community. Here is everything we know so far:
- A mother and daughter who died at a beach in Essex have been named by family as Shally Rahman, 42, and Samiha Rahman, 15.
- They are understood to have got into trouble in the water, with some reports suggesting they were attempting to rescue a child from the water
- Four other people have been taken to hospital after the incident
- A boy, 7, remains in a serious condition
- The incident happened at around 5:35pm on Wednesday.
- The coastguard and emergency services were in attendance, but were unable to save the mother and daughter
- Some reports have suggested the victims were relatives of a Bangladeshi politician.
'A big wave came' says family member
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:53 , Niva Yadav
Shally Rahman’s brother in law, Matiur Rahman, has spoken to press about the tragedy in West Mersea.
He said he was left in tears after speaking to his brother over the phone, the BBC has reported.
“They went in Colchester, [to the] seaside and they were near water and playing with them, then suddenly a big wave came,” he said.
It is understood that around 10 members of the family were in attendance on the day trip.
Family still coming to terms with the losses, says grandfather
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:49 , Niva Yadav
The father and grandfather of the victims, Mr Mujibur Rahman, said the family is still coming to terms with the losses, The Telegraph has reported.
The mother and daughter are understood to have visited Mr Mujibur Rahman on Wednesday before leaving for the beach.
Victim reported to be wife of Bangladeshi politician
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:44 , Niva Yadav
Shally Rahman is reported to be the wife of Dr Monsur Rahman, the leader of Jubo Dal UK, the youth wing of BNP.
Dr Rahman is reportedly the son of Sylhet BNP leader Sheikh Mokhon Mia.
Mrs Rahman is understood to have been a teacher in east London.
Pictured: 15-year-old Samiha Rahman
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:32 , Niva Yadav
The family have released a picture of 15-year-old Samiha Rahman who died alongside her mother on Wednesday in West Mersea.
'They are a very nice and likeable family', says family friend
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:27 , Niva Yadav
A family friend who travelled to the scene spoke to press about the family.
Mishba Uddin told reporters that those involved all came from east London for the day.
He said the father is of Bangladeshi heritage, but he “only knows the grandfather very well.”
Mr Uddin added: “They are a very nice and likeable family.”
Mother and daughter from east London named by authorities
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:13 , Niva Yadav
The mother and daughter have now been named as Shally Rahman, 42, and Samiha Rahman, 15.
A seven-year-old-boy is also in a serious condition in hospital.
The family were understood have come from east London and Barking to West Mersea.
Woman and girl died after ‘tide came in while group was on sandbank’
Thursday 23 July 2026 13:25 , Michael Howie
An eyewitness said the tragedy happened as the tide came in while a group of people were on a sandbank.
A woman, who did not give her name, said the incident at West Mersea happened at high tide.
She told the Press Association: “The tide was a lot further in than it is now and that sandbank, they were on there and the tide came in.
“It comes in very quickly and you have to be careful.”
Speaking while sitting at a beach hut, the woman said there was “quite a commotion” and “just total panic”.
Discussing the aftermath of the incident, she said there was a “helicopter coming in, the helicopter circling and sirens going everywhere”.
The eyewitness added: “That was quite alarming, for a small place like this, I think that’s why so many people are shocked.
“I mean the beach was packed with people, they were coming down to see what was going on.”
Police Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex responds to incident
Thursday 23 July 2026 12:30 , Niva Yadav
The Police Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic incident in West Mersea.”
He shared his thanks to the emergency services in a post on social media.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in West Mersea.
— EssexPFCC (@EssexPFCC) July 23, 2026
"My thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of those affected. My thanks go to all those involved in the response for their professionalism and care."@EssexPFCC Roger Hirst
Tributes laid on West Mersea beach
Thursday 23 July 2026 11:40 , Niva Yadav
Tributes and flowers have been laid close to where the incident took place yesterday evening, the BBC is reporting.
Families, dog walkers and local residents have arrived to praise emergency services and pay respects to the deceased.
East of England Ambulance confirm two patients died at scene
Thursday 23 July 2026 10:40 , Niva Yadav
In a statement, the East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed that two patients died at the scene of the incident.
"Sadly, despite best efforts, two patients could not be resuscitated. One patient was transported by air to hospital, and a further three patients were transported by road to hospital,” the statement read.
Where is West Mersea?
Thursday 23 July 2026 10:20 , Niva Yadav
West Mersea is located on Mersea Island in Essex.
Located around 10 miles from Colchester, the town is a popular seaside holiday destination.
During periods of full and new moon, the island becomes completely cut off from the mainland.
Those involved were known to each other, say police
Thursday 23 July 2026 10:00 , Niva Yadav
Essex Police understands that the five people involved in the incident were known to each other.
It comes as the force continue with enquiries into what happened on Wednesday night.
A cordon remains in place.
Two more people in hospital
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:41 , Niva Yadav
Essex Police have released an update, adding that two more people are in hospital with “non-threatening” injuries.
This means five people in total were involved. Two have sadly died, as confirmed earlier.
Third person in hospital in 'serious condition'
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:39 , Niva Yadav
A third person remains in “a serious condition” in hospital, Essex Police has said.
Mother and daughter died after reportedly rescuing child
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:26 , Niva Yadav
One media outlet is reporting that a mother and daughter died in the incident while attempting to rescue a young child.
The Daily Dazzling Dawn said the family was enjoying a summer holiday trip when the incident occurred.
In full: Essex Police statement
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:09 , Niva Yadav
Essex Police has confirmed that a teenage girl and a woman in her 40s have died. A third person remains in hospital.
The force were called by the ambulance service at 5:35pm on Wednesday evening after reports that several people had got into difficulty in the water near Seaview Avenue.
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: “Today, our thoughts remain with the family members who are coming to terms with their loss.
“We are grateful to the people who have already spoken to us and helped with our enquiries.
“We would ask anyone who was at the beach at the time, and who has not yet spoken with officers, to please get in touch, to help us understand what happened.”
It is believed that those involved in the incident were known to each other.
Two people died in incident
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:05 , Niva Yadav
A teenage girl and a woman in her 40s have died in the incident, Essex Police has confirmed.
A third person remains in hospital in serious condition.
'Something unusual occured'
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:03 , Niva Yadav
MP Sir Bernard Jenkin for Harwich and North Essex has said he is “sad and very shocked” by the incident.
In a post on social media, he said “we cannot speculate about what happened, but the response has been fantastic.”
He added: “We await further news and extend sympathy to all those affected.”
I am sad and shocked to hear of the serious incident off the beach in #WestMersea. We cannot speculate about what happened, but the response has been fantastic. I thank @HMCoastguard who will have been first on the scene and all the emergency services. We await further news and…
— Bernard Jenkin MP (@bernardjenkin) July 23, 2026
Essex Police urge people to avoid Seaview Avenue and beach area
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:00 , Niva Yadav
Essex Police have urged people to avoid Seaview Avenue and the surrounding area.
In a statement, the force said: Essex Police said: “While we remain on scene, we would ask the public to avoid the Seaview Avenue and beach area. We appreciate that this will cause some local issues, but would ask for your patience and understanding as we may be there for some time yet.”
What we know so far
Thursday 23 July 2026 08:56 , Niva Yadav
A major emergency service response is underway at a beach in Mersea, Essex, following a “tragic incident” on Wednesday evening.
The nature of the incident is yet to be confirmed.
Here’s what we know so far:
- West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI were the first to the scene on Wednesday evening
- It has been described as a “tragic incident” by the Coastguard, though the exact nature is yet to be confirmed
- Essex Police, the air ambulance, paramedics, and the fire service were all in attendance
- A cordon remains in place on the beach
