Three members of the same family tragically lost their lives after getting into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham. The victims have been identified as 55-year-old Hassan El-Khawas, his 37-year-old partner Zeina Alayn, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara El-Khawas. This heartbreaking event unfolded near Shoreham Fort on Tuesday, as reported by Sussex Police. A younger girl from the same family was rescued from the water alongside them and is now in critical condition at the hospital.
The family, originally from London, had traveled to Shoreham for a day out. After reviewing CCTV footage, police believe this was a tragic accident with no indication of foul play. The Palestinian Forum has stated that the family were British citizens of Palestinian descent, with ties to the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. It’s noted that Hassan El-Khawas himself had been a refugee, a fact confirmed by the Palestinian embassy in London.
Ad Hmidan, the chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, expressed the community’s grief, saying they are “deeply shocked and saddened”. He extended thoughts and prayers to the family, especially for the young girl who is currently fighting for her life. Amidst the sorrow, Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the dangers of swimming in open waters, labeling the incident a “terrible family tragedy.” He commended the emergency services for their rapid response.
Local shop owner Neha Patel reflected on the incident, sharing that she was “still shaking” from the news. “It’s a shock to everyone around here,” she said. Many locals echoed her sentiments, as this incident left a profound impact on the small town. One resident remarked, “It’s unfathomable how something like this could happen on a warm August day.”
Emergency services were alerted shortly before 3 PM BST on Tuesday, responding to reports of four individuals struggling in the water. The Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police officers, and ambulance teams all played a role in the rescue efforts. Sadly, despite these efforts, three lives were lost.
This incident has brought to light the dangers of the sea, especially in light of other recent tragedies. Just this month, another young man drowned at Camber Sands, and earlier in July, two men faced a similar fate at West Wittering. It’s a stark reminder of the unpredictability of water, even on seemingly calm days.
As the community mourns, they also hope for a swift recovery for the girl still in the hospital. It’s a dark chapter for Shoreham, and the town will undoubtedly remember this tragedy for years to come.
What will the community do to support the surviving members of this family? The road ahead is uncertain, but the resilience and unity of the people often shine through in the toughest times…
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber