BBC Breakfast was interrupted for a heartbreaking news bulletin on Wednesday morning (August 19). Reporter Tim Muffett revealed on the BBC morning show how three members of the same family had perished after encountering difficulties in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea. He detailed that a man, a woman, and a teenage girl had lost their lives, while a younger girl from the same family remained in hospital fighting for her life.
Emergency response and tragic details
"Emergency services were called at 2.40 yesterday afternoon, following reports of four people in difficulty in the sea," Tim said. "A huge search and rescue operation got underway involving coastguard crews, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police officers and ambulance crews."
Community reaction and official statement
Local resident Shirley Pumfrey said: "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." Another resident told the news programme there were "all sorts of rumours flying around" and it was "very upsetting". He added: "I'm just praying for their families."
Chief Superintendent James Collis from Sussex Police confirmed that the coastguard had ceased searching for anyone else. "We believe all four entered the water from the land for a swim, and sadly got into difficulty," he added. Making an appeal for witnesses, he said investigations were continuing to establish the complete circumstances. Family members had been notified and were receiving support from specialist officers.
MP's message and previous tragic news
Tom Rutland, East Worthing and Shoreham MP, said his thoughts were with the family and friends of those who had died and he added: "I know the whole community here in Shoreham will be hoping and praying for the recovery of the young girl, external receiving medical treatment in hospital."
The heartbreaking news comes just a day after BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay was given the sombre task of announcing the devastating death of Heroes and Nashville star Hayden Panettiere. He delivered the news to viewers yesterday saying: "The American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. In a statement reported by ABC News, her representative said she was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her."
