Sussex Police have identified the three members of a family who tragically lost their lives after encountering difficulties in the sea near Shoreham. The victims have been named as 55-year-old Hassan El-Khawas, 37-year-old Zeina Alayn, and their 14-year-old daughter, Sara El-Khawas. The family is believed to have entered the water close to Shoreham Fort on Tuesday.

A fourth family member, a younger girl, was rescued from the water and remains in critical condition in hospital. Authorities have stated that the family traveled from their London residence to visit Shoreham. After reviewing CCTV footage, investigators have concluded that the incident appears to be a tragic accident with no indication of third-party involvement.

The Palestinian Forum in Britain has confirmed that the family were British citizens of Palestinian descent, with ties to the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. The Palestinian Embassy in London previously indicated that Hassan El-Khawas had been a refugee. Adnan Hmidan, chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, expressed the community's profound shock and sorrow over the incident. He noted that two other children were present on the shore at the time and offered condolences to the grieving family.

The Palestinian Embassy in London is actively monitoring the situation and is in contact with British authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and to check on the hospitalized girl's condition. A statement from the embassy extended condolences to the family and the broader Palestinian community in the UK, while also wishing the injured girl a swift recovery.

Following the incident, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham issued a warning about the dangers of open water swimming, describing the event as a "terrible family tragedy." Burnham emphasized the risks posed by cold water, even during warm weather, and urged the public to remain vigilant. He also commended the emergency services for their rapid response, acknowledging their efforts during what has been a particularly busy summer.

Chief Superintendent James Collis of Sussex Police described the incident as a "heartbreaking tragedy" that has deeply affected the family, their friends, and the Shoreham community. Emergency services, including coastguard crews, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police officers, and ambulance teams, were dispatched to the scene shortly before 3:00 PM BST on Tuesday following reports of four individuals in distress in the water.

Local residents expressed their shock and sadness in the wake of the tragedy. Neha Patel, a shop owner in the area, stated that the news had left her "still shaking" and that the entire community was in disbelief. She extended her hopes for the recovery of the girl still hospitalized.

Throughout the day, members of the public laid floral tributes near the beach where the incident occurred. Friends Liz Donnelly and Lee Smith, who were among those paying their respects, described the deaths as a profound shock to the small coastal town. Smith reflected on the close call, noting that their own children had been at the same location the previous evening.

The Good Shepherd Church, located near the beach, opened its doors to provide a space for reflection and prayer. The Reverend Jane Bartlett, associate vicar, expressed the church's commitment to supporting the community during this difficult time.

Julia Watts, chair of Adur District Council, commented on the unfathomable nature of the tragedy, particularly given the warm August weather. She acknowledged that while many locals swim regularly, the sea is never entirely safe. Robina Baine, a councillor for the Southwick Green ward, which includes the RNLI lifeboat station, called the incident the most tragic she had witnessed in her 46 years in the area.

Police investigations are ongoing, and a file is being prepared for the coroner. The incident is among several fatal occurrences along the UK coastline in recent months. In May, three sisters—Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31—died in the sea off Brighton. In July, two men were pulled from the water at West Wittering, with one confirmed dead at the scene. Earlier this month, an 18-year-old man lost his life after getting into difficulty at Camber Sands. Additionally, in Essex, Shelina Rahman, 41, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha Rahman drowned while attempting to rescue a seven-year-old boy at West Mersea.

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