A seven-year-old boy has died in hospital six days after a water tragedy at West Mersea in Essex, his family has said.
According to BBC News, Musa Ahmed was on a day trip to the island near Colchester from Barking, east London, on 22 July when he and five relatives got into difficulty in the water.
Musa was rescued from the water and taken by air ambulance to hospital, but died at the Royal London Hospital on Tuesday evening. His family said he died “in a state of ease and peace”.
Shelina Rahman, 41, and 15-year-old Sameeha died at the scene. Three other people were also taken to hospital by ambulance after the incident, which was reported to Essex Police at 17:35 BST. Police said they were recovering.
Musa’s father, Shahin Ahmed, said the group had been swept away by a “very strong” tide. Essex Police said those involved had made “significant efforts to help each other”.
Paying tribute to his son, Mr Ahmed said: “He made every person feel special and never failed to bring happiness.” The family also thanked staff in the hospital’s intensive care unit for their care and dignity, and thanked the community for its support and prayers.
Det Ch Insp Al Pitcher, who is leading the investigation, said his thoughts were with the family and friends of those involved, adding that their bravery and strength had been humbling. Officers have been speaking to witnesses as they work to establish how the incident unfolded.
Bystanders helped during the emergency, including Craig Bowe, who made three rescue attempts. He helped Musa and another boy on to a lifeboat and said Musa was “not in a good way”.
The incident has led to calls for more safety measures at the beach, including signs and life jackets. Colchester City Council and West Mersea Town Council have said warning signs are due to be installed.
