Shalina Rahman, a 42-year-old British-Bangladeshi teacher, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha died in the waters off West Mersea beach in Essex after attempting to help a seven-year-old boy who got into difficulty, police believe. The boy, a relative, remains on life support in a London hospital.
Family and Background
The family was on a summer holiday trip at West Mersea. Shalina Rahman was married to Mansur Rahman, leader of Jubo Dal UK, the overseas youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist party in Britain. Her father, Mujibur Rahman, is the former vice-president of the party in Britain. The family is from east London, with one branch based in Barking.
Incident Details
Essex police were called at 5:35pm on Wednesday after reports of an incident near Seaview Avenue. DCI Al Pitcher confirmed that a mother and daughter had died, stating: "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 they were a mother and daughter from London and we are supporting their family in what is an unimaginable time." He added: "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."
It is believed the group may have been caught by a heavy incoming tide that caused the sand beneath their feet to give way, sweeping them into the water. Family friend Mishba Uddin said the mother and teenage girl "were not very good swimmers." Matiur Rahman, brother-in-law of Shalina, told the BBC: "We all feel very bad, my four brothers, my sister … My whole family – we are speechless. We are very shocked." He said about 10 family members were on the day out when "suddenly a big wave came."
Community Response
Carl Powling of Colchester council said his daughter was one of three teenage waitresses at a local cafe who tried to help. A witness told PA Media the incident happened at high tide, catching the group on a sandbank. "It comes in very quickly and you have to be careful," she said, describing "total panic." Helicopters were deployed and sirens filled the air. "That was quite alarming, for a small place like this, I think that's why so many people are shocked," she added. Emergency services "worked diligently" to deal with the "absolutely tragic" incident.
Safety Context
According to the National Water Safety Forum, there have been at least 29 accidental deaths in open water across the UK since mid-May. Although the area is known for strong currents, local MP Bernard Jenkin told the BBC: "We don't think of West Mersea beach as a dangerous beach." Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage to contact them on 101 quoting incident 1090.
