A teenage girl and a woman in her 40s have died following an incident at West Mersea beach in Essex on Wednesday evening. A third individual remains in hospital in a serious condition, while two others are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Essex Police were alerted to the situation around 5:30 p.m. after reports that several people had encountered difficulties in the water. The beach was reopened to the public on Thursday morning.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulances, police vehicles, a fire engine, a lifeboat, two air ambulances, and a coastguard helicopter, responded to the scene. A coastguard truck remained on the beach overnight.
The area is known for strong currents, which can pose a risk to swimmers. Witnesses reported that an Asian family may have been involved, with children getting into trouble and adults entering the water to assist them, subsequently facing difficulties themselves. Other beachgoers also reportedly attempted to help.
One witness described seeing emergency services performing CPR on a casualty on the beach. Police stated their thoughts were with the families of those affected and appealed for anyone who was at the beach and had not yet spoken to officers to come forward to help establish the circumstances of the event.
A search and rescue mission was underway on Wednesday night in West Mersea, Essex.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the incident but noted that it is understood people may have become cut off from the beach after walking out to a sandbank. The West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team acknowledged the tragic incident and extended their condolences to the families involved.