Sussex Tragedy Identifies Victims as British-Palestinian Family with Teen Daughter Lost at Sea

A father, mother, and their 14-year-old daughter who drowned off the Sussex coast on Tuesday have been identified by police as Hassan El-Khawas, 55, Zeina Alayn, 37, and Sara El-Khawas. A younger sibling remains hospitalized in critical condition with her identity withheld. Police referenced initial witness accounts and CCTV footage in a statement, dismissing unconfirmed reports of a fishing net entrapment. Senior investigator Supt James Collis concluded: “All four entered the water to swim, with no third-party involvement confirmed.”

The Palestinian Embassy in London revealed Hassan’s British-Palestinian heritage. The family, British citizens with roots in Lebanon’s Rashidieh refugee camp, had extensive connections to the UK’s Palestinian community. Adnan Hmidan, chair of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, detailed the incident: “Sara became entangled in fishing gear, prompting Hassan’s rescue attempt. Zeina and their younger daughter followed as waves surged.” Hmidan highlighted two surviving children now under the care of their paternal uncle.

“The Khawas family are British citizens of Palestinian origin, with roots in Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon. Like many Palestinian families, members of their extended family have lived in Britain for many years and have built a strong and close-knit community here,” Hmidan stated, emphasizing collective grief.

London Mayor Andy Burnham condemned the event: “A terrible family tragedy” underscoring open-water risks. He noted the UK experienced over 35 drownings in July alone, citing summer heatwaves. Burnham commended emergency responders, including air ambulances and Shoreham RNLI, who arrived by 3pm. Community leader Joss Loader described Shoreham’s estuary as a popular, albeit hazardous, surf spot despite its apparent safety.

“It’s school holidays and we have had a wonderful summer so the beaches have been packed with families,” Loader explained, noting tidal dangers. Anna Peacock, 81, observed emergency efficiency: “People underestimate rip currents. It’s inviting until it’s not.”

Photographic evidence of floral tributes at Shoreham Beach RNLI illustrates community mourning. This follows a July spike in UK drownings, per a London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine study. The National Union of Water Safety advocates renewed public advisories during peak summer conditions.

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