Family Members Named After Three Die In Shoreham Sea Tragedy

Three members of the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham, while a fourth family member remains critically ill in hospital.

The tragedy happened on Tuesday afternoon (18 August), after the family travelled from their home in London to visit the area.

Police say they entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort at around 2pm before getting into trouble.

Those who died have now been formally identified as 55-year-old Hassan El-Khawas, his 37-year-old partner Zeina Alayn, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara El-Khawas.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene after being recovered from the water.

A fourth person, a young girl who was also part of the family, was taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

A major emergency response was launched, involving Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, the RNLI and South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Police say their investigation remains ongoing, but a review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts suggests the incident was a tragic accident and there is currently no indication of third-party involvement.

A file will now be prepared for HM Coroner ahead of an inquest.

Chief Superintendent James Collis described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” which had devastated the family and affected the wider Shoreham community.

He praised the emergency services involved in the rescue attempt and thanked members of the public for their patience during the response.

Police say further updates will be provided when possible, while asking for the family's privacy to be respected.