Beach tragedy family backs calls for safety review

The father of a boy in a critical condition following a beach tragedy which left two other family members dead has called for a review of safety measures at the site.

Sameeha Rahman, 15, her mother Shelina Rahman, 41, and seven-year-old Musa Ahmed all found themselves in trouble while in the water at West Mersea, Essex, on Wednesday.

Both Sameeha and Shelina drowned and Musa was airlifted to hospital.

Musa's father, Shahin Ahmed, said his son remained in a critical condition, and said he "strongly agreed" with calls for a safety review at the beach.

Colchester City Council has revealed it commissioned an independent assessment of any safety risks at the beach in March, which subsequently advised it was "unlikely" that life rings could be deployed effectively in an emergency.

Local people installed their own life rings at the beach on Tuesday, a day before the tragedy, but located further up the coastline at West Mersea.

In a statement released on Monday, Ahmed said the family, from Barking in east London, had been "devastated by the loss of our beloved relatives".

He thanked people for "their extraordinary efforts" to help the family, adding: "Several local residents and visitors to the beach that day showed exceptional courage, kindness and selflessness as they rushed to assist my family members who were struggling in the water.

"Their actions embodied the very best of humanity, and our family will always be grateful for the bravery they showed in our hour of need."

He thanked all emergency services who responded and "medical staff who continue to assist my son".

Ahmed added: "I strongly agree with the calls from local residents for a review of safety measures at West Mersea beach, including the provision of additional life-saving equipment and clear warning signage.

"While no action now can undo the pain we are suffering, we hope lessons can be learned to help prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future."

The council said that the assessment by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK considered rescue equipment such as life rings.

"[It] concluded that due to factors including the beach profile, tidal range and lateral currents, it would be unlikely to be deployed effectively in an emergency and therefore did not recommend its installation within the assessed area," a council spokesperson said.

But they did say that updated signage was due to be installed later this month as a result of the assessment.

The spokesperson added: "We recognise and appreciate the community's commitment to water safety and will continue to work with partners to review risks and consider any lessons arising from this tragic incident."

RLSS UK was contacted for comment.

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