The community in Shoreham, West Sussex, gathered on Saturday to pay respects to a family of four who lost their lives after entering the sea on 18 August 2026. Hassan El-Khawas, 55, Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara died at the scene despite paramedic intervention. Their six-year-old daughter Saja was initially taken to hospital but died in hospital on 21 August, bringing the total death toll to four.
A vigil took place at Kingston Beach, where the incident occurred, alongside a one-minute silence held in Shoreham town centre. The family had travelled from their home in London to visit the coastal town when the tragedy unfolded.
Reverend Pat Alden, who addressed those gathered for the vigil, reflected on how communities respond to both celebrations and tragedy.
"When something happens, whether it's something we celebrate... or tragic circumstances like this, the community comes together."She emphasised the close-knit nature of Shoreham, noting that
"Shoreham is the sort of place where the community comes together at times like this. We are a very close-knit community."
Tom Rutland, East Worthing and Shoreham MP, attended the vigil and spoke of the town's collective grief. He said the
"whole town is heartbroken, particularly by the development that Saja has lost her life sadly too"and praised how residents had come together to mark the occasion.
"The way everybody has come together and marked today with this minute's silence, and there were people who met with paddleboards and kayaks over at Kingston Beach as well this morning, it's been a really lovely way to pay tribute to the very sad loss of these lives."
Wesley Horscroft, representing the paddling community at Kingston Beach, described how a spontaneous tribute grew from a personal gesture. He had initially planned to go out alone and
"put some flowers on the water"to honour the family, but decided to invite others.
"It's kind of grown and a lot of people wanted to turn up to do the same,"he said. He acknowledged that Saja's death had added
"another layer"to the grief felt throughout the town.
How did the incident occur?
According to Sussex Police, the family had entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort at approximately 14:00 BST on 18 August. Emergency services received a distress call at about 14:40 BST, prompting a major multi-agency rescue operation involving the Coastguard and the RNLI. All four family members were brought ashore, but three were pronounced dead at the scene.
What does the police investigation show?
Sussex Police confirmed that their investigation remains open. After reviewing CCTV footage and witness accounts, the force's current hypothesis is that the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement. Chief Superintendent James Collis said on Friday evening:
"This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday's tragic events. The impact of this tragedy has been felt across the country and I know the Shoreham community, emergency responders and all involved will continue to be affected for a long time to come."
Who was the family?
The family were British citizens of Palestinian origin with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. They had been living in London, where their extended family has resided for many years, according to the Palestinian Forum. Their 14-year-old daughter Sara attended a London school, which later paid tribute to her memory alongside her parents.
What happens next?
A report will be prepared for the coroner ahead of an inquest, which represents the formal next step in the investigation process. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as a
"terrible family tragedy."
Key Facts
- Four members of the same family died after entering the sea at Shoreham on 18 August 2026: Hassan El-Khawas (55), Zeina Alayn (37), Sara (14), and Saja (6)
- The family had travelled from London to visit Shoreham, approximately 6.3 miles (10.1 km) from Brighton
- Sussex Police believe the incident was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement, based on CCTV and witness evidence
- A coroner's inquest will follow once police submit their file
- The community held a vigil at Kingston Beach and a one-minute silence in Shoreham town centre on Saturday
