A six-year-old girl has died in hospital following a tragic incident in the sea off Shoreham, West Sussex, which also claimed the lives of her parents and older sister. Saja El-Khawas, a British Palestinian from London, was rescued from the water on Tuesday but succumbed to her condition.
Her father, 55-year-old Hassan El-Khawas, her 37-year-old mother Zeina Alayn, and her 14-year-old sister, Sara, were pronounced dead at the scene despite extensive resuscitation efforts by paramedics.
Incident Details
- Reported Time: Tuesday, approximately 14:40 BST.
- Location: Kingston Beach, near Shoreham Fort.
- Family Origin: London residents of Palestinian descent, with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon.
- Emergency Response: HM Coastguard, RNLI, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Sussex Police.
- Proximity: Shoreham-by-Sea is located about 6.3 miles (10.1km) from Brighton.
Sussex Police stated that the family had traveled from London to visit the coast on Tuesday. They entered the water near Shoreham Fort at approximately 14:00 before encountering difficulties. A significant emergency operation was launched immediately after reports of four people struggling in the sea were received.
Chief Superintendent James Collis described the update as the outcome everyone had feared following the week’s events. He expressed gratitude to the public for their messages of sympathy and noted that the impact of the tragedy has been felt nationwide. He added that the community and emergency responders would likely remain affected for a long time.
Regarding the ongoing investigation, a police spokesperson confirmed that while the inquiry remains open, a review of CCTV footage and witness accounts suggests the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement. A file is currently being prepared for the coroner ahead of an inquest.
The loss of the family has deeply affected the local area. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the event as a terrible family tragedy. Residents have left floral tributes at the shoreline, and the Beach Residents’ Association noted that the news has sent shockwaves through the community. Local councillor Joss Loader, a long-term resident, characterized the deaths as a heart-rending tragedy for all involved. The report also notes that i would like to thank all of the public who have shared their sympathies and kind words. The report also notes that the Palestinian Forum says, their extended family had lived in the UK for many years.
Important Details
- The report also notes that a short distance from Shoreham Port, the incident took place at Kingston Beach.
