A man who helped rescue three people from the sea in West Mersea, Essex, on Wednesday evening described the experience as “surreal” and said he did not consider himself a hero. Craig Bowe, 42, pulled a 7-year-old boy, Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter, Samia, from the water after the family’s day at the beach turned tragic.

Emergency services attended the scene, but despite efforts to resuscitate Rahman and her daughter, neither survived. The young boy was rescued successfully. Bowe said the incident was deeply distressing and something he hoped never to encounter again, reflecting on the heavy emotional toll of the rescue.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the incident, and investigations are ongoing. The response included both sea rescue teams and paramedics who worked to provide immediate medical assistance at the location.

The local community has expressed condolences to the family affected by the tragedy. Officials are reminding beachgoers to exercise caution in the water and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents.