Three dead after family get into difficulty in sea
Three members of a family have died after getting into difficulty while swimming off the coast of Shoreham-by-Sea. A fourth family member remains in critical condition following the incident, which prompted a massive emergency response.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights the dangers of sea swimming during rough weather conditions and serves as a reminder of the risks associated with coastal recreation.
Figure caption, Emergency services at scene of Shoreham incident
Three members of the same family have died after getting into difficulty in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea.
Sussex Police said three people - a man, a woman, and a teenage girl - had died, while a younger girl from the same family was in hospital in a critical condition.
Emergency services were called shortly after 15:00 BST on Tuesday to reports of four people in difficulty in the sea close to Shoreham Port.
Witnesses described seeing large numbers of emergency vehicles and helicopters arriving at the seafront as coastguard crews, RNLI lifeboats, air ambulances, police officers and ambulance crews responded.
Ch Supt James Collis said relatives had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers.
"At this point, we believe all four entered the water from the land for a swim, and sadly got into difficulty," he said.
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