Essex Police have officially named the mother and teenage daughter who lost their lives in a drowning incident at Mersea Island on July 22. Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha, both from the Ilford area of London, were part of a family group of six that got into difficulty while swimming together.
Family Day Out Turns to Tragedy
The family, consisting of three adults and three children, had entered the water at the popular Essex beach on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 22. According to police, all six members made significant efforts to help each other as the situation deteriorated. Despite their attempts, Shelina and Sameeha drowned. A seven-year-old boy was airlifted to a nearby hospital and remains in a critical condition. Several other family members were also taken to hospital for treatment and are now recovering.
Police Investigation and Community Response
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident and our enquiries are ongoing. We have spoken to a number of key witnesses and will continue to do so over the coming days and will work with partners including the fire service, local council, and coastguard.” He added that the family are being supported by specialist officers and described the incident as a tragic end to a family day at the beach.
Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks, District Commander for Colchester, praised the local community for their response. “There were members of the public who rushed to help the family and I want to thank them for their courage and selflessness. Since this tragic incident we have also seen an outpouring of support and sympathy. At times of tragedy you get to see how strong a community is, and we have a fantastic community on Mersea Island, and across the Colchester district.”
Family Asks for Privacy
Shelina and Sameeha’s family have requested that their privacy be respected and do not wish to be approached by the media. Police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time and has information or footage that may assist the investigation to contact them on 101, quoting incident 1090 of July 22.
Previous Incidents and Safety Warnings
Mersea Island, a popular coastal destination in Essex, has seen previous drowning incidents, prompting local authorities to issue repeated safety warnings about the dangers of swimming in tidal waters. The beach is not lifeguarded, and the currents can be unpredictable. This tragedy underscores the importance of water safety, especially for families with young children. The RNLI advises always swimming at a lifeguarded beach and being aware of tide times and conditions.
