Six-year-old girl dies in hospital after Shoreham beach tragedy
Saja El-Khawas, six, has died in hospital after being pulled from the sea at Shoreham-by-Sea, bringing the family death toll to four following the deaths of her sister and parents earlier in the week.
A six-year-old girl has died in hospital after being pulled from the sea off Shoreham-by-Sea, becoming the fourth member of her family to lose their life in the tragedy. Saja El-Khawas died on Friday, days after her 14-year-old sister Sara El-Khawas and their parents Hassan El-Khawas and Zeina Alayn were pronounced dead on Tuesday.
The family were recovered from the water in the West Sussex coastal town in an incident that has drawn widespread sympathy across the region. Sussex Police have been leading the response, with the deaths now being treated as a single tragic event. The sequence of events leading to the family entering the sea has not been formally detailed by authorities, and inquiries remain ongoing.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief in the local community and beyond, with tributes left near the beach and messages of condolence shared online. The family, understood to have connections to Lebanon, had been living in the London area, according to reports. The Metropolitan Police and Sussex Police have been liaising over the case, and support services have been offered to relatives and witnesses affected by the incident.
Shoreham-by-Sea, located on the Sussex coast between Brighton and Worthing, is a popular spot for swimming and coastal walks, though sea conditions can change rapidly. The incident has renewed attention on water safety along the UK coastline, particularly during the summer months when families gather at beaches. Local authorities have reiterated advice about checking tide times, weather forecasts, and lifeguard coverage before entering the water.
The hospital where Saja El-Khawas was being treated has not been named in public statements, and medical staff have declined to comment on the specifics of her care. The deaths of the parents and the older daughter were confirmed earlier in the week, with police informing next of kin and arranging for specialist support. Formal identification procedures are expected to take place in due course, and a coroner will be involved in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Community leaders in the Lebanese diaspora have expressed their condolences, with some organising vigils in memory of the family. The incident has also drawn attention to the risks faced by families visiting the coast, and local councillors have called for a review of safety measures at Shoreham beach. The RNLI and coastguard have reminded the public that even experienced swimmers can be caught out by rip currents and sudden changes in depth.
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or who has relevant footage to come forward as part of the ongoing investigation. The focus remains on supporting the surviving family members and establishing a full timeline of what happened. The tragedy has left the local community in mourning, with flags lowered at some public buildings in the area as a mark of respect.
