Boy suffered fatal brain injury in seaside drowning

A seven-year-old boy suffered a fatal brain injury after he got into difficulty off the Essex coast, a coroner has said.

Musa Ahmed died six days after the incident in West Mersea, in which his 15-year-old cousin, Sameeha Rahman, and her mother, Shelina, 41, also died.

They were all enjoying a day out to the island, near Colchester, from east London when the tragedy unfolded on 22 July.

Their provisional causes of death were all given as drowning at an inquest opening in Chelmsford, while Musa also died from a hypoxic ischaemic brain injury.

"Clearly it is so tragic to come across the death of any individual," said Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex.

"But when three occur at the same time and all from the same family, one cannot understand the tragic nature of such an incident."

Three others were taken to hospital by ambulance after the incident and are said to be recovering.

Bystanders - including Craig Bowe, who made three rescue attempts - have been praised for trying to help, including administering CPR to the Rahmans, who were from Ilford.

Coroner's officer Debbie Wallace said the Rahmans and Musa, from Romford, were all "on holiday with family" when the tragedy unfolded.

She said they "entered the water and got into difficulty", and added: "Emergency services attended the location to assist."

Sameeha was declared dead at 19:08 and her mother too 19 minutes later.

Musa was "brought to shore and stabilised" before being flown to the Royal London Hospital, Wallace continued.

"Despite medical treatment, he died on 28 July."

A full inquest was fixed to be heard on 19 January.

"My deepest condolences go out to all of their family, friends and other loved ones," Brookes said, concluding the short hearing.

Colchester City Council and West Mersea Town Council have said signs warning of the sea's danger are due to be installed at the scene of their deaths.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.