Witness describes ‘absolutely horrific’ scenepublished at 09:40 BST
09:40 BST
Rita Coombs, who lives in West Mersea, says she saw emergency services treating a group of people on the beach.
She says three people appeared to be receiving CPR.
“It was absolutely horrific. I can’t praise the emergency services [enough], it was beyond all belief, they worked so hard.”
She says she tried to support the emergency services during the “nightmare that was unfolding”.
“The feeling was we just wanted to go out and help. Our hearts were going out to these people fighting for their lives.”
She said the whole island feels “very quiet” this morning.
“It’s a very sad island at the moment.
“We’re just sending our thoughts to the people that have passed and the people left behind. It’s tragic, absolutely tragic.”