A six-year-old girl has tragically died in hospital days after a heartbreaking seaside incident in West Sussex that claimed the lives of three other members of her family.
Saja El-Khawas was rescued from the water after the family encountered difficulties while swimming near Shoreham-by-Sea on Tuesday. She was taken to hospital in critical condition, but despite medical efforts, she later passed away. Her death means that four members of the same family have now lost their lives in the tragedy.
The victims were identified as Sajaβs father, Hassan El-Khawas, 55, her mother, Zeina Alayn, 37, and her older sister, Sara El-Khawas, 14. The three were pronounced dead after being pulled from the sea, while Saja remained under hospital care for several days before she died.
Family Trip Turns Into a Tragic Emergency
The El-Khawas family had travelled from their home in London to spend time by the coast in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. According to authorities, the family entered the water near Shoreham Fort at around 2 p.m. before the situation quickly became dangerous.
Reports indicate that the tragedy began when Sara experienced difficulty in the water. Her father entered the sea in an attempt to help her, followed by Zeina and then their younger daughter Saja as the situation became increasingly desperate.
However, strong waves and powerful currents overwhelmed the family, leaving them unable to return safely to shore.
A major rescue operation was launched, involving emergency crews from the coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), police officers, paramedics, and air ambulance teams. Although rescuers managed to bring the family members back to shore, three could not be saved.
Community Mourns Loss of British-Palestinian Family
The deaths have deeply affected both the Shoreham community and the wider Palestinian community in Britain.
The family were originally connected to the Rashidieh refugee camp in southern Lebanon, and Hassan El-Khawas was described as a Palestinian refugee who later became a British citizen. Neighbours said the family had lived in the UK for around a decade and remembered them as kind and happy members of the community.
Adnan Hmidan, chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, described the incident as a devastating loss. He said the tragedy unfolded during what began as an ordinary family visit to the seaside before the conditions in the water became impossible to overcome.
Tributes have continued to pour in as friends, relatives, and community members remember a family lost in a sudden and unimaginable accident.
Police Rule Out Suspicious Circumstances
Sussex Police have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a tragic accident. After reviewing initial witness statements and available footage, investigators found no indication of third-party involvement.
Authorities have also confirmed that there is no ongoing search for additional missing people connected to the incident.
Chief Superintendent James Collis described the event as a heartbreaking tragedy that had a profound impact on the familyβs loved ones and the wider Shoreham community.
Witnesses Describe Shocking Scenes
People who were nearby when the incident occurred described the emergency response as overwhelming, with helicopters, rescue boats, ambulances, and police vehicles arriving at the scene.
One witness said seeing the rescue operation unfold was something no person should have to experience. The incident left bystanders and local residents deeply shaken.
The tragedy has also renewed discussions about the dangers of open-water swimming, particularly when conditions change quickly and strong currents are present.
Family Left Behind After Devastating Loss
Two other children from the family were reportedly on the shore during the incident and are now being cared for by relatives.
The loss of both parents and two daughters has left relatives facing an unimaginable tragedy. Support has been offered to those affected as they begin to deal with the aftermath of the devastating event.
As the community continues to mourn, tributes remain focused on remembering the El-Khawas family and the lives lost during what was supposed to be a simple family day by the sea.
The Shoreham tragedy stands as a painful reminder of how quickly conditions in open water can change and how important safety awareness remains for anyone visiting the coast.
