Girl, six, dies in hospital after Shoreham sea tragedy
Saja El-Khawas was the youngest of four family members pulled from the water in West Sussex.
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A six-year-old girl has died in hospital after being pulled from the sea in Shoreham, West Sussex. Saja El-Khawas passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026. She had been in hospital in a critical condition since Tuesday afternoon when she was recovered from the water alongside three members of her family.
Her father, Hassan El-Khawas, 55, her mother, Zeina Alayn, 37, and her 14-year-old sister, Sara El-Khawas, were all confirmed dead following the incident. The family had travelled from their home in London to visit Shoreham.
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Investigation into the incident
Sussex Police launched a major emergency response on Tuesday afternoon after reports of people in difficulty in the water near Shoreham Fort. A review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts is underway. Police stated on Wednesday that they currently believe the deaths were a tragic accident and that there was no third-party involvement.
Chief Superintendent James Collis described the events as "a heartbreaking tragedy which has devastated a family and their friends and had a profound impact on the Shoreham community."
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Saja's identity and death were confirmed in a legal notice from solicitors acting on behalf of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the Palestinian Forum in Britain. The Palestinian embassy stated that Mr El-Khawas was a Palestinian refugee from Rashidieh Camp in Lebanon.
Sara El-Khawas was a Year 8 student at Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in the London borough of Ealing. The school posted a tribute on its website, stating Sara was "a sweet girl, well-liked by staff and students and she will be greatly missed."
Questions this report answers
+When did Saja El-Khawas die?
Saja El-Khawas died in hospital on Friday, August 21, 2026. She had been in a critical condition since being pulled from the sea three days earlier.
+Who else died in the Shoreham incident?
Saja's father, Hassan El-Khawas, 55, her mother, Zeina Alayn, 37, and her 14-year-old sister, Sara El-Khawas, were also recovered from the water and confirmed dead.
+What is the police investigation status?
Sussex Police are investigating the incident. Based on initial witness accounts and CCTV footage, they currently believe the deaths were a tragic accident with no third-party involvement.
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