Tearful father who lost both wife and daughter trying to save cousin speaks for first time

A heartbroken father who lost both his wife and daughter who drowned on a family trip to the seaside has spoken of his pain.

Shelina Rahman, a teacher in her 40s, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha died after several people got into difficulty on West Mersea beach.

They are the wife and daughter of Dr Mansur Rahman, leader of Jubo Dal UK – the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who lives in Ilford, London.

Through tears, he said: ‘It is with profound sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that my beloved daughter and my beloved wife passed away following a tragic accident on Wednesday.

‘By the will of Allah (SWT), they returned to their creator after drowning in the water.’

Supported by family on either side of him Dr Rahman added: ‘I would also like to thank everyone in our community who has called, sent messages, and reached out to support us during this difficult time.

‘I have not been able to answer many phone calls, but please know that I have not intentionally ignored anyone. The overwhelming support, love, and prayers from all of you mean more to us than words can express.’

He was seen appearing emotional as he carried a coffin at the London funeral for them both over the weekend.

He added: ‘My nephew remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and his father is by his side at the hospital.

‘By the grace of God, my elder son, my elder daughter, and some other relatives survived and have returned home safely.’

Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher, from Essex Police, said: ‘My thoughts, and those of my team, are with the friends and family of the woman and girl who died yesterday.

‘We can now confirm they were a mother and daughter from London and we are supporting their family in what is an unimaginable time.

‘Since yesterday we have been working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident.

‘At this stage we believe they were trying to help a seven year-old boy who had got into difficulties.

‘The boy was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition but the woman and teenage girl, sadly, died.

‘All the people involved in this incident are related to each other.

‘As part of our investigation we are working through speaking to dozens of witnesses and taking their accounts, and we are building a picture of what happened.

‘These enquiries are ongoing and I need anyone who has any information to get in contact.’