A six-year-old girl has passed away in hospital following a tragic incident in the sea off the coast of Shoreham, West Sussex. The young girl, identified as Saja El-Khawas, was part of a family that had traveled from their home in London to visit the area on Tuesday.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of her father, 55-year-old Hassan El-Khawas, her mother, 37-year-old Zeina Alayn, and her 14-year-old sister, Sara.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 14:40 BST on Tuesday following reports that four individuals were in difficulty in the water near Shoreham Fort. According to Sussex Police, the family had entered the sea from the beach at about 14:00.
Despite a significant emergency response involving HM Coastguard, the RNLI, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Sussex Police, Saja's parents and elder sister died on Tuesday despite attempts to resuscitate them.
Saja El-Khawas was rescued by emergency crews but later died in hospital.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police stated that, while the investigation remains open, a review of witness accounts and CCTV footage suggests the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement. A file is currently being prepared for the coroner ahead of an inquest.
Chief Superintendent James Collis described the update as the news everyone feared, noting that the impact of the tragedy has been felt across the country.
He expressed his gratitude to the public for their sympathies and acknowledged the profound effect the event has had on the Shoreham community and emergency responders.
The family were British citizens of Palestinian origin with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon, and their extended family had resided in the UK for many years.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the event as a "terrible family tragedy." People in Shoreham left floral tributes at the scene and said the community was devastated.
Local community members have left floral tributes at the site, which is located near Kingston Beach, a short distance from Shoreham Port. Joss Loader, a local councillor representing the Shoreham Beach Residents' Association, described the incident as a "shocking, heart-rending tragedy" that has left the local community devastated.
Shoreham-by-Sea is about a 6.3 mile (10.1km) drive away from Brighton.
Ch Supt James Collis said: "This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday's tragic events.
