A day-tripper from Hertfordshire, Craig Bowe, 42, attempted to rescue a mother and daughter who drowned off an Essex beach after hearing screams during a family outing.

Despite his efforts to haul Shally and Samiha Rahman, aged 41 and 15, from the waves and assist a seven-year-old boy onto a lifeboat, both victims died in the incident that occurred around 17:35 BST on Wednesday.

The boy, stranded during a family day out from Barking, east London, was airlifted to hospital in critical condition, while three others were taken by ambulance.Bowe, who downplayed being called a hero, described the harrowing scene, emphasizing the strength of the current and the urgency of the situation.His wife, Carly, joined bystanders in administering CPR to the mother before she succumbed.Essex Police have urged witnesses to come forward as investigators piece together the events.The tragedy highlights the dangers of coastal waters and the bravery of individuals who attempt rescues despite the risks.