A seven-year-old boy suffered a fatal brain injury after getting into difficulty off the Essex coast, a coroner has stated. Musa Ahmed died six days after the incident in West Mersea on 22 July, which also claimed the lives of his 15-year-old cousin, Sameeha Rahman, and her mother, Shelina Rahman, 41.
An inquest opening in Chelmsford heard that the provisional causes of death for all three were drowning. Musa also died from a hypoxic ischaemic brain injury. The family, from Romford and Ilford, were on a day out to the island near Colchester from east London when the tragedy occurred.
Three other individuals were taken to hospital by ambulance following the incident and are reportedly recovering. Bystanders, including Craig Bowe who made three rescue attempts, have been praised for their efforts to help, which included administering CPR to the Rahmans.
Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex, expressed his condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones. A full inquest into the deaths has been fixed for 19 January.
Colchester City Council and West Mersea Town Council have stated that signs warning of the sea's danger are due to be installed at the scene.