Palestinian refugee family drowns in rescue attempt

A Palestinian refugee, his wife, and their teenage daughter drowned off the coast of Shoreham, West Sussex, on Tuesday afternoon after entering the water to rescue a younger family member who became entangled in a fishing net. The father, Hossam AlKhawas, his partner, and their 15-year-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth family member, a young girl, remains in hospital in critical condition.

The incident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. on August 18, 2026, near Shoreham Fort. Emergency services, including police, paramedics, coastguard crews, and a lifeboat, were dispatched following reports of four people in difficulty in the water. Witnesses reported that the family had gone for a swim before the younger girl became stuck in a net, prompting the others to attempt a rescue. The sea conditions were described as choppy and windy at the time.

Hossam AlKhawas was identified by the Palestinian Embassy, which confirmed he was from the Rashidieh Camp in southern Lebanon. The embassy extended its condolences and stated it was in contact with the wider family. The identities of the other victims have not been officially released, but police confirmed next of kin...