Three Family Members Drown Near Shoreham Fort in Sussex
Family Tragedy Claims Three Lives at Shoreham Fort
Three members of the same family are dead and a young girl is fighting for her life following a drowning incident in the sea near Shoreham Fort, Sussex, on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency teams, including the RNLI, Coastguard, and air ambulances, were dispatched to the scene shortly before 3 p.m.
Emergency Teams Rush to Shoreline
Sussex Police received reports of four people in difficulty at approximately 2:40 p.m. Chief Superintendent James Collis confirmed that despite the efforts of paramedics and maritime crews, a man, a woman, and a teenage girl were pronounced dead at the scene.
A fourth person, a younger girl, was rushed to a hospital where she remains in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed that all four individuals were members of the same family. Their next of kin have been notified and are receiving support from specialist officers.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation
The rescue operation drew a massive multi-agency response. HM Coastguard deployed teams from Littlehampton, Shoreham, and Newhaven, alongside RNLI lifeboats from Shoreham and Brighton and an HM Coastguard helicopter.
Eyewitnesses saw emergency vehicles lining both sides of the river as police officers examined the scene. One witness told ITV Meridian that he observed officers collecting items of clothing from the beach near the coastguard tower.
Police Launch Operation North Inquiry
Sussex Police believe the family entered the water from the land to swim before getting into difficulty. Chief Superintendent Collis noted that an extensive search of the water has been completed by His Majesty’s Coastguard, and no further persons are being sought.
The A259 Brighton Road was closed in both directions between New Road and Kingston Lane to clear a path for emergency responders. Tom Rutland, Labour MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, urged the public to avoid the area near Shoreham Fort and Kingston Beach during the operation.
Sussex Police have launched an inquiry into the circumstances of the incident, operating under the title “Operation North.” Authorities are requesting that anyone with relevant information or video footage contact the police online or via the 101 service.