Three family members die after getting into difficulty off Shoreham coast

Three members of a single family died after getting into difficulty in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea on Tuesday afternoon, with a fourth person remaining in critical condition, according to Sussex Police. The incident, which prompted a large-scale emergency response, occurred around 2:40 PM BST when four individuals—identified as a man, a woman, a teenage girl, and a younger girl—entered the sea near Shoreham Fort. Emergency services were called after reports of the group struggling in the water, and all four were brought to shore, but three were pronounced dead.

Chief Superintendent James Collis of Sussex Police stated that the family had likely entered the water to swim before encountering difficulties. “At this point, we believe all four entered the water from the land for a swim, and sadly got into difficulty,” he said. He added that the next of kin had been informed and that the coastguard had completed an extensive search of the area, confirming no further individuals were missing. A younger girl from the family remained in hospital in critical condition, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area while investigations continued.

The response involved multiple agencies, including the RNLI, air ambulances, and coastguard teams. A section of the A259 road, a major commuter route, was closed following the incident. Witnesses described a significant presence of emergency vehicles, helicopters, and ambulances at the scene. Resident Shirley Pumfrey noted the unprecedented scale of the operation, while Steve Chapman, a local, reported that roads were cordoned off, preventing access to his home. Another resident, Pete Book, recounted seeing ambulances and helicopters converging on the area, emphasizing the distressing atmosphere.

Conditions in the water were described as challenging. A local resident told The Guardian that the sea had been “incredibly rough” with strong winds, though the exact cause of the difficulty remained under investigation. The incident has left the community in shock, with MP Tom Rutland for East Worthing and Shoreham expressing condolences. “My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives,” he said, adding that the community was “hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl receiving medical treatment.”

The tragedy follows a series of water-related deaths in the UK this year. In recent months, a 12-year-old boy drowned in London’s River Lea, and a woman and child died after getting into difficulty in west London. Sussex Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward, urging anyone with information or video footage to contact them under Operation North. The exact sequence of events leading to the incident remains under review, but authorities have confirmed the family’s identity and the circumstances of their entry into the water.

Emergency services emphasized their efforts to support the family and the public. A spokesperson for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex stated that both its helicopters and critical care teams were deployed to the scene. Shoreham RNLI also confirmed its lifeboat was called out, highlighting the coordinated response. Despite the challenges, no further searches were deemed necessary, as the coastguard concluded its operation.