Emergency services were called at around 2:40 pm on Tuesday afternoon to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort, West Sussex. Despite the efforts of paramedics, a man, a woman and a teenage girl were pronounced dead at the scene. A younger girl from the same family was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition.
Family identified as victims
Sussex Police confirmed that all four people were from the same family, and their next of kin have been informed. Chief Superintendent James Collis 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."
He added: "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."
Emergency response and investigation
Numerous ambulances and two air ambulances were spotted in Shoreham-by-Sea near the RNLI station on Tuesday afternoon. Officers believe the family entered the water from land for a swim.
Anyone with information or video footage relating to the incident has been urged to contact Sussex Police online or via 101, quoting Operation North.
