Three members of the same family, who had traveled from London to visit Shoreham, have died after encountering difficulties in the sea off the coast of Shoreham Fort.
Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara El-Khawas were named by Sussex Police on Tuesday. A younger girl from the same family, who was pulled from the water with them, remains in critical condition in hospital.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and believe the deaths were a tragic accident, with no indication of third-party involvement. Two other children from the family were on the shore at the time of the incident.
The family were British citizens of Palestinian origin, with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon, according to the Palestinian Forum. The Palestinian Embassy in London confirmed that Hassan El-Khawas had been a refugee and stated it was monitoring the situation and in contact with British authorities.
The Palestinian Forum in Britain expressed its deep shock and sadness over the event. Condolences have been sent to the family and the UK's Palestinian community, along with wishes for the hospitalized girl's speedy recovery.