A day-tripper has told the BBC how he dived into the sea in an attempt to save a mother and daughter who drowned off an Essex beach. Craig Bowe, 42, battled the incoming tide at West Mersea, near Colchester, three times after hearing screams on Wednesday evening. Despite his efforts, the pair - aged 41 and 15 - died in the desperate attempt to bring the boy to shore. The boy, who became stranded during a family day out from Barking, east London, was airlifted to hospital and remained there in a critical condition on Friday. Three others were taken by ambulance to another hospital after the incident unfolded at about 17:35 BST.