Two people, a mother and daughter from London, died after getting into difficulty at West Mersea Beach on Wednesday, July 22. In a joint statement, Colchester Council and West Mersea Town Council said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. "We understand the concerns being expressed by the community and welcome the passion and local knowledge of those committed to improving water safety in Mersea. "While this incident does not appear to have taken place on Colchester Council-owned land, we are committed to working with partners through the Mersea Water Safety Forum and with neighbouring landowners to promote clear and consistent water safety messaging along the coastline." It said: "Earlier this year, Colchester Council commissioned an independent beach risk assessment for council-owned land.