A vigil has been held for a family of four who died in a sea tragedy at Shoreham-by-Sea after traveling from London. Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara El-Khawas were pulled from the sea but died at the scene. Their six-year-old daughter, Saja El-Khawas, was rescued alive and taken to hospital in critical condition but later died, bringing the family death toll to four.
A vigil took place at Kingston Beach, where the incident occurred, and a one-minute silence was observed in Shoreham town centre. Reverend Pat Alden stated that the community comes together in both celebratory and tragic circumstances, describing Shoreham as a place where the community is close-knit.
The family were British citizens of Palestinian origin who had come to the UK from the Rashidieh Camp in southern Lebanon. The camp is situated on the Mediterranean coast and is one of the most populous Palestinian refugee camps in the country. Neighbors described the family as warm and close. Sara's school in West London paid tribute to her, calling her a sweet girl who was well-liked by staff and students and will be greatly missed.
It is understood that the family had traveled from their home in north-west London to visit Shoreham for the day. Floral tributes were left at the beach following the incident. Sussex Police are investigating the deaths and currently believe they were a tragic accident, with no indication of third-party involvement. CCTV and initial witness accounts are being reviewed as the investigation remains open.
Chief Superintendent James Collis commented on Saja's death, stating it was a heartbreaking update that was feared. He acknowledged the widespread impact of the tragedy and that the community, emergency responders, and all involved would continue to be affected. Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the incident a terrible family tragedy. Adnan Hmidan, chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, expressed the shock and sadness of the Palestinian, Arab, and wider community in Britain, along with friends and supporters, over the tragic incident.