Three members of the same family have died and a young girl is fighting for her life in hospital after reportedly getting caught in a fishing net while swimming off the coast of West Sussex. Emergency services launched a major operation at Shoreham-by-Sea on Tuesday afternoon following reports of four people in difficulty in the water.
Sussex Police confirmed that a man, a woman and a teenage girl died at the scene, while a younger girl from the same family was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The victims have not been identified, but their next of kin have been notified and are receiving support from specialist officers.
Witness reports and emergency response
Witness Joe Chrisp, 24, said one of the children got tangled in a net. He told reporters: "One of the local fishermen said it was two adults, two kids. One of the kids apparently got caught in a fishing net."
Chief Superintendent James Collis of Sussex Police said: "At around 2.40pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort. Sussex Police officers supported His Majesty's Coastguard and the RNLI, as all four people were brought ashore. Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, three people – a man, woman and teenage girl – have sadly been confirmed deceased. A younger girl has been taken to hospital and is in a critical condition."
Community shock and tributes
A local resident who wished to remain unnamed told The Telegraph that the family had been living in tents by the harbour front for a couple of weeks. Alan Facer, a Hove fisherman, told the newspaper: "The wind earlier was south-westerly so usually the waves pick up quite a bit. At 3pm, the tide would have been quite high. I was thinking the other day that someone is going to get hurt around here."
Joss Loader, a local resident and representative of Shoreham Beach Residents' Association on Adur District Council, told the Press Association: "There's just a really strong sense of shock, obviously people are really concerned for the young girl. A small tightly knit community with a very deep sense of shock and that sense of disbelief you get after a tragedy because it has come out of nowhere."
Safety warnings and ongoing investigation
Anna Peacock, 81, who lives near Kingston Beach, told PA: "It was terribly sad to know that just across the road people have lost their lives. People come down to swim, particularly in the summertime and I don't think they realise there's a riptide along here. It's very inviting to come to the sea, but the tide could carry you out in seconds, and I don't think people have realised that."
Police confirmed that the coastguard has searched the water and is not looking for anyone else. East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland said in a Facebook statement: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic news that three people have died following an incident in the water near Shoreham Fort this afternoon. 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."
