Mum and daughter, 15, killed in Essex beach tragedy named by police

The family had been enjoying a day at the beach when the tragedy happened

Carrington Walker

15:43, 28 Jul 2026

[The tragedy unfolded on West Mersea beach ]

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The tragedy unfolded on West Mersea beach (Image: Daniel Rees/Newsquest/SWNS)

A mum and her 15-year-old daughter who both died after getting into distress off the coast on a beach in Essex have been named.

Essex Police confirmed that Shelina Rahman, 41, and Sameeha had been in the water together on Wednesday (July 22) before getting into difficulty on Mersea Island. The pair had been joined by four other family members, six in total, including two other adults and two more children, when the tragic incident unfolded, the force added.

"We are now in a position to confirm two people who died following an incident at the beach on Mersea Island as 41-year-old Shelina Rahman and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha," a statement published on Tuesday confirmed.

"Six members of a family, including three adults and three children, had been in the water together on Wednesday 22 July when they got into difficulty.

As a result of the situation, all members of the family made significant efforts to help each other. Very sadly, Shelina and Sameeha, from the Ilford area of London, died."

A seven-year-old boy was also flown to a nearby hospital where he remains in a critical condition, the statement added.

"A number of family members were also taken to hospital for treatment and are recovering. The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher."

The family are continuing to be supported by specialist officers, the DCI confirmed, adding, They had been enjoying a family day at the beach together when this tragedy happened.

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.

Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks is District Commander for Colchester. She said: I want to thank the community for their response to this incident.

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.

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Shelina and Sameehas family have asked that their privacy be respected and do not wish to be approached. Anyone who was in the area at the time and has information or footage which may assist the police investigation is asked to contact us on 101 and quote incident 1090 of July 22.

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