The short version
- The community in Shoreham held a vigil and minute of silence to honor four family members who died following a water incident at Kingston Beach.
- Police confirmed the death of six-year-old Saja El-Khawas, bringing the total fatalities to four, including her parents and older sister.
- Authorities describe the event as a tragic accident with no third-party involvement, while local leaders emphasize the town's collective grief.
The residents of Shoreham, West Sussex, gathered on Saturday to pay their respects to a family whose lives were cut short by a water emergency earlier in the week. A one-minute silence was observed in the town center, while a separate vigil took place at Kingston Beach, the location where the incident occurred. The community came together to mourn Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his wife Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara, who died on Tuesday despite immediate efforts by paramedics.
The tragedy deepened on Friday when it was confirmed that the family’s youngest child, six-year-old Saja El-Khawas, had also passed away in the hospital. This development added a profound layer of sorrow to an already grieving town. Local officials and community members expressed heartbreak over the loss of the entire family unit. The vigil served as a focal point for collective mourning, with attendees including local politicians, religious leaders, and residents who wished to honor the victims.
Reverend Pat Alden addressed the crowd, noting that Shoreham is characterized by its close-knit nature and tendency to unite during both celebratory and tragic moments. He emphasized the community’s resilience and support for one another in the face of such loss. Tom Rutland, the Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham, also attended the vigil. He described the town as heartbroken, particularly by the news of Saja’s death, and praised the way residents had come together to mark the occasion with dignity and respect.
At Kingston Beach, Wesley Horscroft represented the local paddling community. He initially planned a solitary tribute, intending to place flowers on the water alone. However, the gesture resonated with others, leading to a larger gathering of paddleboarders and kayakers who joined him in paying their respects. This spontaneous expansion of the tribute highlighted the widespread impact of the tragedy on those who frequent the beach. The presence of these water enthusiasts underscored the connection between the community and the site of the incident.
According to Sussex Police, the family had traveled from their home in London to visit Shoreham, which is located approximately 6.3 miles from Brighton. They entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort around 14:00 BST on Tuesday before getting into difficulty. Emergency responders attended the scene immediately, but were unable to save Hassan, Zeina, and Sara. The investigation remains open, though police have stated that their current hypothesis points to a tragic accident with no third-party involvement.
Chief Superintendent James Collis addressed the confirmation of Saja’s death, describing it as a heartbreaking update that many had feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s events. He acknowledged the widespread impact of the tragedy, noting that it has been felt across the country. Collis emphasized that the Shoreham community, emergency responders, and all involved would continue to be affected for a long time to come. His remarks reflected the gravity of the situation and the lasting emotional toll on those connected to the incident.
The El-Khawas family were British citizens of Palestinian origin, with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. Their extended family has lived in the United Kingdom for many years, according to the Palestinian Forum. Prime Minister Andy Burnham referred to the incident as a terrible family tragedy, acknowledging the profound loss experienced by the community and the nation. The background of the family adds a layer of context to their story, highlighting their integration into British society while maintaining ties to their heritage.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not ruled out further developments but maintain that there is no evidence of foul play. The focus remains on supporting the extended family and the broader community in coping with the loss. The vigil and subsequent tributes serve as a testament to the solidarity within Shoreham, where residents have rallied together to honor the memory of Hassan, Zeina, Sara, and Saja. The incident has left an indelible mark on the town, prompting reflections on safety and community support in times of crisis.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Vigil held for family who died in sea off Shoreham
