The short version
- Three adults and a teenager from the same family died after entering the sea off Shoreham-by-Sea on Tuesday afternoon.
- A younger girl was rescued and is currently receiving treatment in hospital for critical injuries.
- Police confirmed all four individuals entered the water from land and are not searching for additional missing persons.
A tragic incident off the coast of Shoreham-by-Sea has resulted in the deaths of three family members, with a fourth remaining in serious medical condition. Sussex Police confirmed that a man, a woman, and a teenage girl lost their lives after getting into difficulty in the water on Tuesday afternoon. A younger girl from the same family was also involved in the incident and has been transported to a hospital where she is listed in critical condition.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 3:00 p.m. BST to reports of four people struggling in the sea near Shoreham Port. The response was extensive, involving coastguard crews, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police officers, and ambulance teams. Witnesses described a scene filled with emergency vehicles and helicopters converging on the seafront, marking one of the largest turnouts observed by local residents in recent memory.
Chief Superintendent James Collis of Sussex Police stated that investigators believe all four individuals entered the water from land for a swim before encountering trouble. He emphasized that the coastguard has completed an extensive search of the surrounding waters and is no longer looking for anyone else. The next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers during this difficult time.
Local residents expressed shock at the scale of the emergency operation. Shirley Pumfrey, who lives opposite the beach, noted that she had never seen such a heavy presence of emergency services before. Steve Chapman, another resident, described the atmosphere as upsetting, with rumors circulating while roads were cordoned off. The A259, a major commuter route connecting Brighton, Shoreham, and Worthing, was partially closed to facilitate the rescue efforts.
Despite warm weather conditions, sea states were reported to be rough due to high winds. BBC reporter Callum French described the water as particularly turbulent, which may have contributed to the difficulty faced by the swimmers. Shelley Ayres, a local resident, remarked that the sea had been calm for months prior to this event, making the sudden change in conditions unexpected for those in the area.
Tom Rutland, the Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham, urged the public to stay away from the scene while emergency personnel worked. Following confirmation of the deaths, he expressed his thoughts with the family and friends of those who died. He also highlighted the community's hope for the recovery of the young girl currently receiving medical treatment.
Shoreham Port authorities stated they are working closely with multiple agencies to manage the situation. They joined police in urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate effectively. The incident has had a profound impact on the local community, with many residents expressing their distress at the events of the day.
Investigators are continuing inquiries to understand the full details of what happened. Police have appealed for any witnesses or individuals with video footage of the incident to come forward. As the community processes the tragedy, attention remains on the young girl in hospital and the ongoing support for the grieving family members.
The RNLI lifeboat was called out at 3:00 p.m., and the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex deployed both its helicopters and critical care teams to the scene. South East Coast Ambulance Service responded to reports of four people needing medical attention. The coordinated effort highlights the severity of the situation and the rapid mobilization of resources in response to the emergency.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with coastal swimming, even during periods of warm weather. While specific causes are still under investigation, the rough sea conditions played a significant role in the outcome. Authorities continue to gather information to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events that led to this loss of life.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Three dead after family get into difficulty in sea
- The Guardian World↗Three dead after family get into difficulty in water off Shoreham-by-Sea
