A tragic incident off the coast of England has claimed the lives of a British-Palestinian couple and their 14-year-old daughter. The family, who had traveled from their home in London to Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex on Tuesday, encountered severe difficulties while in the water near Shoreham Fort.
Sussex Police have identified the victims as 55-year-old Hassan El-Khawas, his 37-year-old wife Zeina Alayn, and their daughter, Sara El-Khawas. A second daughter remains in critical condition and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, coastguard teams, and lifeboat crews, launched an extensive rescue operation after the four family members were pulled from the sea. Two air ambulances were also deployed to the scene to assist in the emergency response.
Authorities have stated that initial witness accounts and CCTV footage suggest the incident was a tragic accident with no indication of third-party involvement. While investigations into the precise circumstances are ongoing, local residents and witnesses reported rough seas, strong winds, and dangerous currents in the harbor area at the time of the event.
The Palestinian Forum in Britain provided further details, suggesting that the family struggled against strong currents. The organization claimed that Sara became entangled in a fishing net, leading her father to attempt a rescue, followed by her mother and sister. Police have noted that they have not yet confirmed the reports regarding the fishing net entanglement.
Two other children from the family, Yusuf and Malak, were on the shore during the incident and are now being cared for by an uncle. According to the Palestinian embassy, the family were British citizens of Palestinian origin with roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in southern Lebanon. A neighbor noted that El-Khawas had moved to Britain approximately a decade ago.
The British Prime Minister expressed condolences, describing the event as a terrible family tragedy. The government has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding the significant dangers associated with open-water swimming. The report also notes that pakistani-origin mother, 3 kids killed in London fire. The report also notes that sara Sharif murder: UK court to issue sentence today. The report also notes that investigations into exactly what happened remain under way. The report also notes that pakistan women burnt to death in London was pregnant. The report also notes that father of murdered UK-Pakistani girl attacked in prison. The report also notes that hayden Panettiere’s ex Wladimir bids farewell.
Source: Gulf News
