Three family members who drowned off Sussex coast named

Three members of the same family died after getting into difficulty in the sea.

The tragic incident, which happened in Shoreham in West Sussex, saw three people drown from the same family, as per police.

A man, a woman, and a teenage girl died after being swept out to sea trying to save a younger family member.

Eyewitness reports claim that the girl had become entangled in a fishing net.

As per the Mirror, local landscaper Joe Chrisp, 24, said: “One of the local fishermen said it was two adults, two kids.

“One of the kids apparently got caught in a fishing net.”

The landscaper added: “It happened when I was on my way back from work. There were loads of police and I got turned around. It’s so tragic.”

The younger family member is currently fighting for her life in hospital.

Now, the family members have been named by police after the Palestinian Embassy confirmed that the father was a Palestinian refugee identified as 55-year-old Hossam al Khawas.

Sussex Police have since confirmed that his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter, Sara el Khawas, also died in the incident.

A young girl who was also a member of the family, but has not been named, remains in hospital in a critical condition.

The family were visiting Shoreham from their London home before entering the water at around 2pm yesterday before getting into trouble.

Police said that a preliminary review of CCTV suggests this is a "tragic accident with no third-party involvement".

Chief Superintendent James Collis said: "The events of Tuesday afternoon are a heartbreaking tragedy which has devastated a family and their friends and had a profound impact on the Shoreham community.

"The thoughts of all at Sussex Police remain with the family's loved ones as we work with our partners, including HM Coroner, to understand exactly how this incident occurred.

"The emergency response was significant, and I would like to thank all of the first responders for their determined attempts to save all four people, as well as the wider public for their patience during the incident.

"We will release further updates as soon as we are able, but we ask the family are given the privacy they deserve at this incredibly difficult time."

An investigation is ongoing.

Feature image credit BBC News screenshot.