Three people from the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, while a young girl from the family remains in critical condition in hospital.
The victims, a man, a woman and a teenage girl, were recovered from the water after emergency services launched a large search. A younger girl, also from the same family, was pulled from the water and taken to hospital.
Emergency response and search
Emergency services were called to the scene on Tuesday afternoon, shortly before 3pm. Coastguard helicopters, the RNLI, ambulances and police took part in the search.
Sussex Police said the family were believed to be camping nearby and had entered the water for a group swim in the harbour. Witnesses told The Mirror they thought one of the children had become caught in a fishing net. Locals said there is a steep shelf at Shoreham Harbour where the seabed drops away quickly, which can make it difficult for swimmers.
Police statement
Chief Superintendent James Collis said all four people entered the water from land for a swim and got into difficulty. He confirmed at a press conference that the three victims had died.
He said: "Around 2.40 pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort.
"Sussex Police supported His Majesty's Coast Guard 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.
"A younger girl has been taken to hospital and is in critical condition. We can confirm all four people were from the same family, and their next of kin have been informed."
Coastguard statement
A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard responded to an incident reported at Shoreham at about 2.45pm on August 18.
"An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham.
"Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended."
