Three dead after family get into difficulty in sea

Family Tragedy at Shoreham-by-Sea Leaves Three Dead, One Girl Critically Ill

Ninoda.com – Sussex Police confirmed that three members of a single family — a man, a woman, and a teenage girl — lost their lives after entering the sea near Shoreham Port on Tuesday afternoon. A younger sister from the same household remains in hospital, where her condition is described as critical.

Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 15:00 BST following reports that four individuals were struggling in the water close to the port. Coastguard teams, an RNLI lifeboat, two air ambulances, police units, and ground ambulance crews all converged on the seafront in what witnesses called an unprecedented scale of response.

Police and Coastguard Statements

Chief Superintendent James Collis told reporters that all four individuals are believed to have entered the water from land for a swim before getting into trouble. He confirmed that coastguard teams had completed a thorough search of the surrounding waters and were no longer looking for additional persons.

“At this point, we believe all four entered the water from the land for a swim, and sadly got into difficulty.”

Collis added that relatives had been notified and were receiving support from specialist officers. He described the incident as having a profound impact on the local community and appealed for witnesses while inquiries continued to establish the full circumstances.

Scale of the Emergency Response

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex confirmed that both of its helicopters along with its critical care team were deployed to the scene. Shoreham RNLI stated its lifeboat was called out at 15:00 BST. South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) reported being summoned to “reports of four people in need of medical attention.”

A section of the A259, the principal commuter route linking Brighton, Shoreham, and Worthing, was closed during the operation. Shoreham Port said it was coordinating with multiple agencies and asked the public to keep clear of the area.

Witnesses Describe an Unfamiliar Scene

Despite warm temperatures, sea conditions had been made “pretty rough” by high winds, according to BBC reporter Callum French, who described the scene as “the biggest turnout [of emergency services] I have seen.”

Resident Shirley Pumfrey, who watched from nearby, recalled the overwhelming presence of emergency vehicles filling the entire road.

“I have never seen them do that. The whole road was just full of emergency services. It was horrific and quite scary to see that many.”

Steve Chapman, whose home faces the beach, said he was unable to access his own street because it had been cordoned off. He noted that rumours circulated quickly among neighbours, making the situation deeply unsettling.

Pete Book, another local resident, was walking home from a pub when he noticed ambulances, coastguard personnel, and helicopters all converging on the waterfront simultaneously.

Shelley Ayres, also living opposite the beach, pointed out that the sea had been remarkably calm for months before turning noticeably rougher that day.

Political Reaction

Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, initially urged residents to stay clear of the area while emergency services worked. Once the deaths were confirmed, he expressed his thoughts for the family and friends of those who had perished.

“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.”