Police in the United Kingdom confirmed that a Palestinian‑British family of three died on Tuesday after encountering difficulty in the sea off the southern coast of England. The victims have been identified as 55‑year‑old Hassan El‑Khawas, his 37‑year‑old partner Zeina Alayn, and their 14‑year‑old daughter Sara El‑Khawas.

The family’s second daughter was rescued but remains in critical condition, according to statements from local authorities. The incident occurred near Shoreham‑by‑Sea, a coastal town in West Sussex, after the family traveled there from their home in London.

Investigators said the prevailing theory is that the deaths resulted from a “tragic accident, with no third‑party involvement.” Police have not released further details about the circumstances that led the boat to become distressed.

The Palestinian Embassy in London issued a condolence message on the social media platform X, describing the victims as Palestinian‑British and expressing sympathy to their relatives. In a separate statement to the Daily Telegraph, the embassy noted that the family originally came from the Rashidieh refugee camp in southern Lebanon.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the accident, and the investigation remains ongoing. The embassy did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters for additional confirmation.

Community response

Local residents and community leaders in Shoreham‑by‑Sea expressed sorrow over the loss, noting the tragedy’s impact on a family that had recently visited the coastal area. Memorial services are being planned, and support has been offered to the surviving daughter and extended family.

Police continue to gather evidence, and a full report is expected once the investigation is complete.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.