Teenage girl and woman die after group gets into difficulty at beach

A teenage girl and a woman in her 40s have died after a group got into difficulty in the water at a popular beach.

Essex Police said officers were called by the ambulance service at 5.35pm on Wednesday after reports that several people had got into difficulty in the water near Seaview Avenue, West Mersea, Essex.

The force confirmed on Thursday morning that a teenage girl and a woman in her 40s had died.

A third person remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Emergency services had urged people to avoid part of the beach in Essex after what the coastguard rescue team described as a “tragic incident”.

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 inquiries.

“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.”

Police said they believe those involved in the incident knew each other.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and has information or footage which may assist the police investigation is asked to get in touch on 101 and quote incident 1090.

Published: 23/07/2026 by Radio NewsHub