Mother and teen drown while rescuing boy at Mersea beach

A mother and her teenage daughter drowned after entering the sea to rescue a young family member during a day trip to an Essex beach on Wednesday. A couple who attempted the rescue, along with other bystanders and emergency crews, were unable to save the pair, who died at the scene.

Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter, Samiha Rahman, were pronounced dead after they tried to save a seven-year-old boy who got into trouble in the water off West Mersea beach. The boy was airlifted to a hospital and was reported to be in critical condition as of Friday. Two other children were also taken to a hospital by ambulance. Authorities confirmed that all the individuals involved are related.

The incident occurred around 5:35 p.m. Essex Police responded after receiving reports of several people in difficulty near Seaview Avenue. Witnesses described hearing screams from the water as the tide came in.

Among the first to respond was Craig Bowe, 42, who was visiting the beach from Hertfordshire on a family outing. Bowe swam out after hearing a man call for help and seeing people floating. He later stated that he initially thought the individuals were trying to survive but discovered...