Teenage girl and woman in her 40s die after several people get into difficulty off Essex beach

Published: 09:12, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 09:24, 23 July 2026 A teenage girl and a woman in her 40s have died after several people got into difficulty at an Essex beach.  A third person remains in hospital in a serious condition, and two other people are in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following the harrowing incident at West Mersea beach on Wednesday evening. In a statement this morning, Essex Police said the ambulance service were called to the beach at around 5.30pm yesterday following reports several people had got into difficulty in the water.  Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: 'Today, our thoughts remain with the family members who are coming to terms with their loss. 'We are grateful to the people who have already spoken to us and helped with our enquiries.  'We would ask anyone who was at the beach at the time, and who has not yet spoken with officers, to please get in touch, to help us understand what happened.' The force added that their thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those affected at this very difficult time. It is understood they might have found themselves cut off from the beach at West Mersea after walking out to a sandbank.  West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said in a post on Facebook: 'We have responded to a tragic incident on West Mersea beach. Our thoughts are with the family involved.' Police officers at West Mersea beach last night. The beach remains closed this morning  A search and rescue mission was underway on Wednesday night in West Mersea, Essex  This morning, the beach has reopened to the public. Yesterday at least six ambulances, a dozen police cars, a fire engine, a lifeboat, two air ambulances and a coastguard helicopter were sent to the scene as the incident unfolded. One coastguard truck remained on the shingle beach into the night near an area which was cordoned off with a wind break.  Other emergency vehicles were parked behind a row of multi-coloured pastel beach huts beside the West Mersea Holiday Park.  The area is known for its strong currents, which can take swimmers and tourists by surprise. One holidaymaker said: 'We heard that the incident involved an Asian family. Children got into difficulty and adults went in the water after them, only to get into difficulty as well.  'Other people on the beach went into the water to try and help, but it looks like there were fatalities.'  Two air ambulances landed on the green beside the caravan park's Sandbanks bar and restaurant while the coastguard helicopter is reported to have landed on the beach.  A number of people are feared to have drowned after a family are believed to have entered the water Witnesses last night reported seeing at least one casualty being loaded into an air ambulance, while others said they had heard reports of 'multiple people in the water'.  A caravan owner said: 'The first we knew something was wrong was when we heard a helicopter overhead.  'I spoke to someone who saw the emergency services working on someone and pumping their chest on the beach.  'People were shouting, 'Come on you can do it'. They couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman.' Essex Police said in a statement on Wednesday night: 'Emergency services are currently on scene of an ongoing incident in West Mersea. 'While we remain on scene, we would ask the public to avoid the Seaview Avenue and beach area. 'We appreciate that this will cause some local issues, but would ask for your patience and understanding as we may be there for some time yet. Thank you.'