Three members of a Palestinian refugee family drowned after entering the water at Shoreham-by-Sea beach on Tuesday [1], [2].
The deaths highlight the inherent risks of open water swimming and the vulnerabilities of refugee families attempting to integrate into local leisure activities.
South East Police identified the victims as Palestinian refugees [3]. The deceased include father Hossam Al-Khawas, his partner Zeina Alayn, and their teenage daughter, Sara El-Khawas [1], [2], [4].
The incident occurred in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex [1], [5]. Emergency services responded to the scene, but the three individuals could not be saved [1], [2].
While police are treating the incident as a drowning, the exact cause remains unconfirmed [5]. Some witnesses suggested a child may have become entangled in a fishing net before the deaths occurred, though authorities have not verified this account [2], [5].
"It is a tragedy and it is important to remind people about the dangers of open water swimming," Andy Burnham said [6].
The Palestinian Embassy in London confirmed the death of the father, stating that Hossam Al-Khawas died in the incident [5].
Local authorities have not indicated that foul play was involved in the deaths of the three family members [1], [2].
“Three members of a Palestinian refugee family drowned after entering the water at Shoreham-by-Sea beach”
This incident underscores the critical need for public safety awareness regarding coastal currents and open water hazards. For refugee populations, who may lack familiarity with local geography or specific maritime risks in the UK, such tragedies emphasize the importance of accessible safety education and lifeguard presence at public beaches.
