Three people from the same family have died after four relatives got into trouble in the water near Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, police said. A younger girl who was also involved in the incident has been taken to hospital in a critical condition. Emergency services were alerted at around 2:40 pm BST on Tuesday after reports of several people struggling in the sea close to Shoreham Port.
What Happened Near Shoreham-By-Sea?
Police said the four family members had entered the water from the shore to swim before getting into difficulty. The victims were identified by police as a man, a woman and a teenage girl. Another girl from the same family survived but remains critically ill in hospital. Specialist officers are supporting the relatives of those involved, while an investigation is underway to establish exactly what happened.
How Did Emergency Services Respond?
A large-scale rescue and medical operation was launched after the incident was reported. Coastguard teams, RNLI lifeboats, police officers, ambulance crews and air ambulances were deployed to the seafront. The Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex said both of its helicopters and its critical care team attended the scene. Shoreham RNLI also sent a lifeboat as part of the response.
Following an extensive search, coastguards confirmed that they were not looking for any additional people in the water.
What Were The Sea Conditions Like?
Although the area was experiencing warm weather, witnesses said the water had become significantly rougher because of strong winds. Local residents reported seeing numerous emergency vehicles and helicopters around the seafront as authorities responded to the incident. One resident said the sea had been relatively calm for months but had become much rougher on Tuesday.
Was The Area Closed After The Incident?
Part of the A259, a major route linking Brighton, Shoreham and Worthing, was closed while emergency services worked at the scene. Authorities urged members of the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to carry out their work. Shoreham Port said it was coordinating with multiple agencies following the incident and also asked people to stay away from the affected area.
What Have Local Officials Said?
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland expressed his condolences to the family and said the local community was hoping for the recovery of the girl receiving treatment. Police have appealed to witnesses to come forward as inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
