SHOREHAM-BY-SEA, West Sussex — August 20, 2026 — Police have named three members of the same family who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.
The victims have been identified as Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter, Sara El-Khawas.
The family, who were from London, had entered the sea near Shoreham Fort with another young female family member on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency services were called at about 2:40 p.m. after reports that people were in difficulty in the water.
Coastguard teams, lifeboats, police officers, paramedics and air ambulances were involved in the major rescue operation. Four people were eventually brought ashore, but three were pronounced dead despite efforts to save them.
A younger girl from the family survived and remains in critical condition in hospital, according to police and reports from the scene.
Sussex Police said they believe the four family members entered the water to swim. Officers have said there is currently no indication of third-party involvement, while investigations into exactly what happened continue.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief, with community representatives describing the deaths as devastating. The incident has also renewed warnings about the dangers of open-water swimming, particularly when sea conditions are difficult.
Police are continuing to appeal for information and footage from anyone who witnessed the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
