A couple who bravely attempted to rescue a mother and daughter who drowned at West Mersea beach near Colchester are calling for more accessible life-saving equipment. Craig Bowe, 42, repeatedly entered the water to assist after hearing screams on Wednesday evening, while his wife Carly, 43, contacted emergency services. Their daughters had to run to a nearby café to retrieve a life jacket and flotation ring, prompting the couple to question why such vital devices were not closer to the shoreline.
Shally Rahman, 41, and her daughter Samiha Rahman, 15, tragically died on Wednesday while trying to help a seven-year-old relative who was in difficulty in the water. Craig Bowe recounted how by his third attempt, he had to use the retrieved life jacket for his own buoyancy in the increasingly rough sea, while using the ring to bring back one of the survivors. Carly Bowe expressed frustration, stating, "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."
Colchester City Council has responded, stating that a risk assessment conducted in March 2026 by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK concluded that rescue equipment would be unlikely to be effectively deployed in an emergency at the assessed area. A council spokesperson explained that the installation of life-saving equipment was not recommended by the RLSS due to "factors including the beach profile, tidal range and lateral currents." Instead, the independent assessment advised improving signs about water safety, which the council confirmed had been commissioned and were due to be installed later this month.
Following the tragedy, local residents have also voiced concerns regarding signage. Stephen Vince, a West Mersea resident, believes more signs are needed to specifically warn people about the "sandbanks and the undercurrents there, and to keep inshore." Adam Scott-Hays, chairman of West Mersea Beach Hut Watch, emphasised the need for simple, educational signage developed by qualified experts, noting that many visitors are unaware of tidal conditions. Notably, local community efforts had led to the installation of orange life rings around the beach just the day before the incident occurred.
Matthew Dilley, who operates a water sports and open-water coaching business on the beachfront, highlighted the extreme challenges posed by the outgoing tide, even for strong swimmers. He advised that anyone unsure of the water should wear a buoyancy aid or floating device at all times for safety. The council has affirmed its commitment to working with partners to review risks and learn from this tragic incident, acknowledging the community's dedication to water safety.