Three family members who died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham have been named by police. Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara El-Khawas are thought to have gone into the water to swim with another family member near Shoreham Fort in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency response and casualties
Police, paramedics, coastguard crews and a lifeboat went to the scene where four people were pulled from the water. Three were pronounced dead on Tuesday, while a young girl who was also part of the family remains in hospital in a critical condition. It is understood the family travelled from their home in London to visit Shoreham, officers said.
Investigation and initial findings
Sussex Police said its investigation remains open, but following a review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, the current hypothesis is that the incident was a tragic accident, with no third-party involvement. Sources have said there is no evidence currently to suggest a fishing net was involved.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene near Shoreham Fort. The family's deaths have prompted a wider review of safety measures along the Sussex coast, though no official changes have been announced as of yet. The investigation continues, with police awaiting updates on the condition of the hospitalized girl.
