Three members of a British-Bangladeshi family, including a woman and her teenage daughter, drowned in a beach in Essex of the United Kingdom on Wednesday.

The deceased were identified as Selina Rahman, 42, wife of Sheikh Mansur Rahman, vice-president of the UK chapter of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, their 15-year-old daughter Samia Rahman, and Musa Ahmed, 9, son of Selina's sister.

Mansur is the son of late Sheikh Mokon Mia, former chairman of Mollargaon Union Parishad in South Surma upazila of Sylhet.

Mansur's brother Sheikh Mahfuzur Rahman Munna said the family met with the tragic accident while visiting West Mersea Beach near Colchester in Essex in the afternoon (local time).

Following the incident, local police, lifeboat crew, a Coastguard helicopter and an air ambulance launched a rescue operation. Despite their efforts, all three were pronounced dead.

Munna said no decision has yet been made on whether the bodies will be brought back to Bangladesh for burial.

According to British media reports, the family had travelled to the seaside to enjoy a summer holiday when the tragedy occurred.

A source familiar with the incident said the accident happened after a high tide swept into the shoreline at West Mersea Beach. The family had been sitting near the water when a young child was caught in the strong current.

Selina and her daughter reportedly rushed into the sea in an attempt to rescue the child but were themselves overwhelmed by the current and drowned.