The father of a seven-year-old boy who died after a beach incident in West Mersea, Essex, has described feeling helpless as he tried to save his son. Musa Ahmed was on a day trip to West Mersea on 22 July when he and five relatives encountered difficulty in the water. His teenage cousin and her mother died at the scene.
Musa was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital, where he died on 28 July. His father, Shahin Ahmed, stated, "Standing before the sea, you quickly realise there are moments when love alone cannot overcome the force of nature."
The family had travelled from Barking, east London, to the island near Colchester that morning. Three other individuals were taken to hospital by ambulance and are reportedly recovering. Ahmed previously said the group was swept away by a "very strong" tide.
Ahmed intends to honour his son's memory by establishing a programme to provide young people with first aid and water safety training. Bystanders, including Craig Bowe, made rescue attempts and administered CPR.
The incident has led to calls for additional safety measures on the beach, such as signage and life jackets. Colchester City Council and West Mersea Town Council have both indicated that warning signs are due to be installed.