A couple described their desperate attempts to save a mother and her teenage daughter who drowned off West Mersea beach in Essex, saying they "just wanted them to survive."
Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter, Sameesha, died on Wednesday after attempting to rescue a 7-year-old family member who reportedly got into trouble as the tide came in. The child was airlifted to a hospital and remains in critical condition. Three other individuals were transported to a hospital by ambulance.
Emergency services were alerted around 5:35 p.m. after multiple people were observed struggling in the water at Sea View Holiday Park, near Colchester. Craig and Carly Bowe, who were celebrating their daughter's tenth birthday nearby, heard screams for help. Mr. Bowe, a kitchen fitter, entered the water to assist.
He recalled seeing the group initially appearing to be treading water, but upon reaching them, he discovered the mother and daughter were face down. Mr. Bowe managed to bring Mrs. Rahman and Sameesha to shore, where bystanders began administering CPR. He then re-entered the water to help the 7-year-old and another child reach a lifeboat.
"The waves were hitting me in the face. The current was definitely stronger," Mr. Bowe told the BBC. He noted that the 7-year-old was also struggling.
Mrs. Rahman, a teacher, and Sameesha were reportedly not strong swimmers and were on a day trip when they attempted the rescue. The 7-year-old boy may have become stranded on a sandbank.
Carly Bowe assisted in the resuscitation efforts on shore. "I just wanted them to survive, and just every bit in me was willing her to breathe," she said. "But they were in the water for a long time, so it would have been hard. But everyone gave them the best chance they could."
Paramedics took over the resuscitation efforts upon their arrival. "They really worked endlessly. To the last minute that they could, and unfortunately, it just wasn't enough for those two," Mrs. Bowe added, acknowledging the collective effort of those on the beach.
Naz Shah, the Labour MP for Bradford West and a personal acquaintance of the family, expressed her heartbreak over the incident. "I'm devastated. They're a lovely, lovely family, I'm absolutely heartbroken for them, it's sent shockwaves through the community," she stated.
Mrs. Rahman was the wife of politician Dr. Mansur Rahman, leader of Jubo Dal UK, the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the daughter of Mujibur Rahman, a former vice president of the UK BNP. A family friend posted on social media, confirming the deaths and extending condolences.
Residents of the area have noted the presence of strong currents that can catch swimmers off guard. Essex Police are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses or individuals with footage to come forward.