Sky News interrupted its regular programming on Tuesday evening to broadcast a tragic breaking news announcement. Sean Fletcher introduced the alert, showing footage of Sussex Police Chief Superintendent James Collis delivering a statement following the deaths of three people from the same family.
Fatal Incident Off Sussex Coast
Mr Collis confirmed that at around 2:40pm, emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort. Sussex Police supported His Majesty's Coastguard and the RNLI as all four people were brought to shore.
“Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, three people, a man, a woman, and a teenage girl, were sadly confirmed deceased,” he said. A younger girl was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition.
Family Identified and Supported
The officer added that all four people were from the same family and their next of kin have been informed. “Specialist officers are supporting them at this incredibly difficult time and our thoughts are with their friends and family,” he said.
Mr Collis noted that authorities currently believe the four family members entered the water for a swim before getting into difficulty. Following an extensive search, he confirmed that authorities are not looking for anyone else.
Community Response and Appeal
He thanked the public for their “patience and understanding” during the emergency response and urged anyone with information or video footage that could assist police to come forward.
Multiple ambulances and two air ambulances were seen in Shoreham near the RNLI station on Tuesday afternoon. A section of the A259 in Shoreham was closed while emergency services responded, with the public urged to stay clear of the area.
Tom Rutland, the MP for Shoreham, said he is “deeply saddened” by the “tragic news” in a statement shared on Facebook. “My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives,” he wrote. “I know the whole community here in Shoreham will be hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl receiving medical treatment.”
