Saja El-Khawas, a six-year-old girl, died in hospital on Friday after being pulled from the sea off Shoreham in West Sussex in an incident that also claimed the lives of her mother, father, and sister, according to Sussex police and legal notices issued by solicitors.
The tragedy unfolded early on Tuesday afternoon when police, paramedics, coastguard crews, and a lifeboat rushed to Shoreham Fort following reports of four people struggling in the water. According to Sussex police, the family had travelled down from their home in London for a day trip to Shoreham and entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort around 2pm before getting into trouble.
The six-year-old had remained hospitalized in a critical condition since Tuesday’s incident. Her death was confirmed on Friday through a legal notice issued by solicitors acting on behalf of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Palestinian Forum in Britain. Previously, the Palestinian embassy confirmed that her father was a British citizen of Palestinian descent.
Investigation and Community Response
Investigators have kept the inquiry open while reviewing CCTV footage and initial witness accounts. According to Sussex police, the current working hypothesis is that the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement.
Did You Know?
Emergency responders including police, paramedics, coastguard crews, and a lifeboat deployed to Shoreham Fort immediately following afternoon reports of four individuals in distress in the water.
Chief Superintendent James Collis addressed the community impact in a public statement released after the update regarding the youngest victim. “This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic events,” Collis stated, adding that he could not imagine the devastation felt by the wider family.
Authorities confirmed that next of kin have been notified and continue receiving support from police officers. Officials have also reiterated requests from the public for privacy as grieving loved ones navigate the aftermath.
Expert Insight
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was involved in the Shoreham beach incident?
The incident involved four members of the El-Khawas family: father Hassan El-Khawas, 55; mother Zeina Alayn, 37; elder daughter Sara El-Khawas, 14; and youngest daughter Saja El-Khawas, 6.
When did the tragedy occur?
The family entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort around 2pm on Tuesday. Saja El-Khawas subsequently passed away in hospital on Friday.
Are authorities treating the incident as suspicious?
No. Sussex police stated that the current hypothesis, based on a review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, points to a tragic accident with no third-party involvement.
How will the Shoreham community and local emergency responders cope with the long-term emotional impact of this multi-fatality coastal tragedy?