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A tragic incident at West Mersea beach near Colchester has prompted calls for increased life-saving equipment following the drowning of a mother and daughter. Craig Bowe, 42, struggled against the rising tide three times on Wednesday evening after hearing cries for help, while his wife Carly, 43, contacted emergency services. Their daughters ran to a nearby café to retrieve a life jacket and flotation ring, which Craig then used to attempt the rescue. He expressed frustration that these safety devices were not more accessible at the water’s edge, saying, “I think the floating devices have to be closer to the front of the shore.”
The tragedy involved Shally Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter Samiha, who died while trying to save a seven-year-old relative from the dangerous waters. Carly Bowe highlighted the difficulty faced during the rescue, pointing out, “There has to be more life jackets, there has to be more rings, so the fact that my daughter had to go over the road to the cafe to get a life jacket is so frustrating.” Craig described how he eventually donned the life jacket to aid his own buoyancy in the worsening sea conditions and used the ring to assist one survivor back to safety.
Colchester City Council referenced a risk assessment conducted in March by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK, which advised against installing rescue equipment in that section of the beach due to the beach profile, tidal range, and lateral currents. However, the council has since arranged for improved water safety signs, which are planned to be put in place later this month. In response to the incident, West Mersea resident Stephen Vince emphasized the need for more prominent safety warnings, noting existing signs lack sufficient information about sandbanks and undercurrents that pose risks to swimmers.
Local community members have taken action by fundraising to install orange life rings around the beach, as detailed by Vince. Adam Scott-Hays, chairman of West Mersea Beach Hut Watch, stressed the importance of clear, educational signage designed by qualified professionals, stating, “Signage is required and it has to be simple and educational, and it needs to be put together by the right people. You need to be qualified. The execution of anything needs to be a co-ordinated response.” Meanwhile, water sports coach Matthew Dilley urged caution for all beachgoers, advising, “Even the strongest swimmer would find it very, very challenging at the highest [point] of the tide going out. If you’re unsure of the water, wear a buoyancy aid or wear a floating device to be safe at all times.”
Mishba Uddin, a family friend from Colchester, expressed the community’s sorrow, describing the victims as “a very good, well-respected family” and voicing hope that the ongoing investigation will provide clarity. The council has acknowledged the community’s commitment to water safety and affirmed its intention to collaborate with partners to reassess risks and learn from this heartbreaking event
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