The short version
- Three family members have died and a fourth remains in critical condition after getting into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham-by-Sea.
- Police describe the event as a tragic accident with no third-party involvement, while community leaders and school officials pay tribute to the victims.
- The Prime Minister has issued warnings regarding the dangers of open water swimming following this incident.
A profound tragedy unfolded on the coast of West Sussex when three members of a family died after getting into difficulty in the sea near Shoreham Fort. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his wife Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara. A fourth family member, a younger girl, remains hospitalized in critical condition as of Thursday, according to Sussex Police.
Authorities have characterized the event as a tragic accident with no indication of third-party involvement. Deputy Chief Constable Paul Court described the situation as utterly tragic and praised the professional management of the emergency response by police and other services. The family is believed to have traveled from London to Shoreham on the day of the incident, intending a day out that ended in catastrophe.
Sara El-Khawas was a student at the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing, west London. In a statement released on its website, the school described her as a sweet girl who was well-liked by both staff and students. Head teacher Rachel Kruger expressed deep sadness over the loss, noting that the school’s focus is now on supporting the staff and students affected by the news.
The broader community has responded with shock and grief. Floral tributes have been left near Kingston Beach in Shoreham, marking the site of the tragedy. Taher Aziz of the Adur Muslim Centre stated that the local community was shocked by the loss of three family members and the critical condition of the surviving young girl. He emphasized that prayers are being offered for the deceased and for the swift recovery of the child in the hospital.
Details regarding the family’s background have emerged through community organizations. The Palestinian Forum in Britain identified the family as British citizens of Palestinian origin with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. The Palestinian embassy in London confirmed that Hassan El-Khawas had been a refugee. Two other children, who were on the shore at the time of the incident, are now being cared for by an uncle, according to the Forum.
The emotional toll of the investigation extends beyond the immediate victims. Deputy Chief Constable Court highlighted the trauma involved in breaking the news to the families of the two children who survived on the shore. He noted that delivering such devastating news is a traumatic process for both the recipients and the officers tasked with informing them, underscoring the human cost of the police investigation.
The incident has drawn attention from national leaders regarding water safety. Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned of the dangers associated with open water swimming following the event, describing it as a terrible family tragedy. His comments reflect a broader concern about the risks inherent in coastal activities, particularly for families visiting unfamiliar waters.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the surviving family members and understanding the circumstances that led to the accident. The critical condition of the younger girl adds an element of uncertainty to the outcome, with medical teams working to stabilize her. The community continues to mourn the loss while awaiting further developments from authorities.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of water incidents and the profound impact they can have on families and communities. While police maintain that there is no third-party involvement, the details of how the family got into difficulty are still being pieced together. The outpouring of support from local institutions and community groups highlights the shared sense of loss in the wake of this devastating event.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗School 'deeply saddened' by death of family in sea off Shoreham
