Key Points
- Incident: Three family members of a London based family including Hassan El-Khawas, aged 55 years, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their daughter Sara El-Khawas aged 14 have lost their lives due to drowning in the waters of Shoreham-by-Sea, England on Tuesday, 18th of August 2026.
- Surviving Member: There is another surviving family member who is currently in critical conditions in hospital.
- School Description of Victim: In her tribute to the victim, the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing stated that Sara was a “sweet girl” well-liked by everyone within the school premises.
- Police Report: According to Sussex Police, there has been no criminal activity involved in the case and thus the incident is being investigated as a “tragic accident”.
- Background Information: This family consists of British nationals who hail from Palestine and had come from London to visit Shoreham. Besides, two children, Yusuf and Malak, were on the shore when the incident occurred and are under the care of an uncle.
Shoreham-by-Sea (Extra London News) August 20, 2026 – A West London school has paid a heart-wrenching tribute to a 14-year-old student who died alongside her parents in a tragic drowning incident off the coast of West Sussex earlier this week. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through both the local Shoreham community and the family’s home community in Ealing, occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the family entered the water near Shoreham Fort and encountered life-threatening difficulties.
How did the school remember Sara El-Khawas?
In a statement posted to its official website, the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing, West London, expressed its profound grief over the loss of their pupil, Sara El-Khawas. As reported by The Argus, the school stated:
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our year eight student, Sara, has died following a tragic incident during the school holidays.”
The school further remembered Sara, noting:
“Sara was a sweet girl, well-liked by staff and students, and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all those affected. We are also thinking of her sister and loved ones at this extremely difficult time”.
According to The Independent, the school has confirmed that it is providing additional support to students and staff to help them cope with the devastating news, and it is working with specialist services to ensure that any member of the school community who needs help can access it.
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What are the details of the incident in Shoreham?
The tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 18. According to Sussex Police, the family—who resided in London—had travelled to the coast to visit Shoreham-by-Sea. They were seen entering the water near Shoreham Fort at approximately 2:00 pm before getting into significant difficulty.
A major multi-agency rescue operation was immediately launched. As reported by The Guardian, the response included HM Coastguard, the RNLI, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and police. Two air ambulances were also dispatched to the scene. Despite the rapid response of emergency services, 55-year-old Hassan El-Khawas, his 37-year-old partner Zeina Alayn, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara were confirmed dead at the scene.
A fourth family member, a younger girl, was rescued from the water and transported to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
What is the current police assessment of the tragedy?
Sussex Police have moved to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Chief Superintendent James Collis described the event as a
“heartbreaking tragedy which has devastated a family and their friends and had a profound impact on the Shoreham community”.
While investigations remain open, police have provided a significant update regarding their findings. As stated in an official release reported by The Argus, Sussex Police noted that
“following a review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, the current hypothesis is that this was a tragic accident, with no third-party involvement”.
Authorities added that a file will be prepared for the HM Coroner ahead of an inquest into the deaths.
What is known about the affected family?
The victims have been identified as British citizens of Palestinian origin. According to Gulf News, the family had deep roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in southern Lebanon. It is understood that Mr El-Khawas had moved to Britain approximately a decade ago.
In addition to the four family members who entered the water, reports from the Palestinian Forum in Britain indicate that two other children, Yusuf and Malak, were present on the shore at the time. They are currently being cared for by an uncle. The Palestinian Embassy in London has been working to support the family during this catastrophic time.
Are there environmental factors being considered?
While the police investigation into the “tragic accident” continues, local accounts of the conditions on Tuesday have highlighted the potential dangers present at the time. As reported by Sky News and cited by The Guardian, local residents described the sea as “incredibly rough” with “incredibly strong” winds at the time the family entered the water.
There have been varying reports regarding the specific cause of the difficulty. The Palestinian Forum in Britain suggested that the family encountered strong currents and that the teenager, Sara, may have become caught in a fishing net, which prompted her father to attempt to rescue her. Subsequently, as conditions deteriorated, her mother and younger sister also entered the water to assist. Sussex Police have stated that they have not officially confirmed the reports regarding the fishing net, though they continue to investigate all contributing factors.
How has the wider community responded?
The tragedy has drawn responses from political leaders and the local public. Tom Rutland, the MP for Shoreham, offered his condolences to the grieving family. As reported by The Guardian, Mr Rutland stated:
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives, and I know the whole community here in Shoreham will be hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl receiving medical treatment in hospital”.
Furthermore, the incident has prompted a broader discussion regarding water safety. The Independent noted that Andy Burnham issued a cautionary statement regarding the risks of open-water swimming during periods of hot weather, specifically reminding the public that cold water can cause sudden and incapacitating shock, even when air temperatures are high.
Locals in Shoreham have also begun paying their respects, with bouquets of flowers left at the beach near the RNLI station as a mark of solidarity and mourning for the family. The investigation into the incident, led by local authorities, continues as the community grapples with the scale of the loss.
