Three members of same family die after incident in sea off Sussex coast

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

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Large emergency response to reports four people in difficulty in water off Shoreham-by-Sea

A couple and their teenage daughter have died after getting into trouble in the water off Shoreham-by-Sea.

A younger girl from the same family is in a critical condition after the emergency off the Sussex coast, following reports of four people 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.

The force believe the family entered the water from land for a swim.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service said they were responding to reports that four people needed medical attention after getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Harbour (Sky News)

Speaking to reporters, 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.

“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.”

The A259 Brighton Road was blocked in both directions from New Road to Kingston Lane because of the incident.

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

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

An HM Coastguard spokesperson added: “HM Coastguard responded to an incident reported 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 from Shoreham.

“Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.”

The South East Coast Ambulance Service also said 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.”