The fourth member of a family pulled from the water in Shoreham earlier this week has died in hospital.
Six-year-old Saja El-Khawas died today (Friday 21 August), Sussex Police said tonight.
The force said: “A six-year-old girl pulled from the water in Shoreham on Tuesday (18 August) has sadly died.
“Emergency services were called to the sea off Shoreham Fort at around 2.40pm on Tuesday to a report of four people in difficulty in the water.
“Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his wife, Zeina Alayn, 37 and their 14-year-old daughter, Sara El-Khawas all tragically died at the scene while Saja El-Khawas – the daughter of Hassan and Zeina, sister to Sara – was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
“Despite the best efforts of emergency and hospital staff, Saja has now been confirmed deceased.
“The family’s next of kin are aware and continue to receive the full support of our officers during this unimaginably difficult time.
“It is understood the family travelled down from their home in London to visit Shoreham and entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort around 2pm on Tuesday afternoon before getting into trouble.
“A significant emergency service response followed including HM Coastguard, the RNLI and South East Coast Ambulance Service and police.
“The investigation into the incident remains open but following review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, the current hypothesis is that this was a tragic accident, with no third-party involvement.
“Our inquiries will continue and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner ahead of an inquest.”
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic events.
“I cannot imagine the devastation felt by the wider family of Hassan, Zeina, Sara and Saja after this loss. On behalf of everyone at Sussex Police, I extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences.
“The impact of this tragedy has been felt across the country and I know the Shoreham community, emergency responders and all involved will continue to be affected for a long time to come.
“I would like to thank all of the public who have shared their sympathies and kind words and once again ask for the victims’ family and loved ones to be left to grieve in privacy.”
