Emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water near Shoreham Fort on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 2:40 pm, involved a family of four, according to Sussex Police. Tragically, a man, a woman, and a teenage girl were pronounced dead at the scene, while a younger girl from the same family was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition.
Response and Confirmation
Numerous ambulances and two air ambulances were spotted in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, near the RNLI station. Sussex Police confirmed that emergency services, including His Majesty's Coast Guard and the RNLI, responded to the incident. All four individuals were brought to shore, where paramedics attempted to revive them.
Chief Superintendent James Collis addressed journalists this evening, confirming the deaths and the critical condition of the younger girl. He stated: “Around 2:40 pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort. Sussex Police supported His Majesty’s Coast Guard and the RNLI as all four people were brought to shore.”
Family Details and Next Steps
Collis added: “Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, three people – a man, a woman, and a teenage girl – were sadly confirmed deceased. A younger girl has been taken to hospital and is in critical condition. We can confirm all four people were from the same family, and their next of kin have been informed.”
The identities of the deceased have not been released, pending formal identification. The younger girl's condition remains a focus for medical staff, and the family's next of kin are being supported by authorities. The incident has prompted a response from local emergency services, and investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.
The local community in Shoreham-by-Sea has expressed shock and sympathy, while authorities have urged the public to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
