Girl fights for her life in hospital after three family members die in beach tragedy

A younger girl from the same family is in a critical condition in hospital after the emergency

HealthNews Info Wire3 min read
Girl fights for her life in hospital after three family members die in beach tragedy

Key points

  • The A259 Brighton Road was blocked in both directions from New Road to Kingston Lane because of the incident.
  • Speaking to reporters, Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “Around 2:40 pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of…
  • An HM Coastguard spokesperson added: “HM Coastguard responded to an incident noted at Shoreham at about 2.45pm on 18 August.
  • “An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat…

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A girl is fighting for her life in hospital after three of her family members died after getting into trouble in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea.

Emergency services were called on Tuesday afternoon following reports of four residents in difficulty in the open water, Sussex Police have said.

Several ambulances and two air ambulances were seen near the RNLI station in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, on Tuesday afternoon.

It is thought the four family members went into the sea for a swim.

What happened

While a younger girl from the family was in a critical condition in hospital, sussex Police confirmed on Tuesday night that a man, a woman and a teenage girl had died.

Officers have not named the victims but said their next of kin had been informed and were being backed by specialist officers.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “Around 2:40 pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of four residents in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort.

“Sussex Police supported His Majesty’s Coast Guard and the RNLI as all four residents were brought to shore.

The details

“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.”

An RNLI spokesman said: “Shoreham RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard at approximately 3pm on Tuesday 18 August.”

Why it matters

At the scene, an ambulance could be seen leaving under a police escort with blue lights flashing.

“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.”

Background

The South East Coast Ambulance Service also stated they were responding to reports that four people needed medical attention after getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Harbour.

“We were called shortly after 3pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene,” a spokesperson said.

“We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.”

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland said in an official note on Facebook: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic news that three residents have died following an incident in the water near Shoreham Fort this afternoon.

What comes next

“I spoke earlier with Sussex Police and Shoreham RNLI and have been briefed on the response by the emergency services.

“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.”

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