Sussex Police confirm three people died in beach tragedy at Shoreham

Sussex Police have tonight confirmed a man, woman and teenage girl died despite attempts to rescue them at Shoreham this afternoon. A younger girl from the same family is in a critical condition.

Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “At around 2.40pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort. 

“Sussex Police officers supported His Majesty’s Coastguard and the RNLI, as all four people were brought ashore. 

“Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, three people – a man, woman and teenage girl – have sadly been confirmed deceased. 

“A younger girl has been taken to hospital and is in a critical condition. 

“We can confirm all four people were members of the same family, and their next of kin have been informed. 

“Specialist officers are supporting them at this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts are with their family and friends. 

“I know this incident will have a profound effect on the community, and enquiries are ongoing alongside our partners to understand the full details. 

“At this point we believe all four entered the water from the land to swim and sadly got into difficulty. 

“Our partners in His Majesty’s Coastguard have completed an extensive search of the water and we are not searching for anyone else. 

“I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during the emergency response. 

“Anyone with any information or video footage that could assist in our enquiries is asked to contact us online or via 101, quoting Operation North.” 

We will provide further updates as soon as we are able. 

A section of the A259 in Shoreham was closed and people were urged to stay clear of the area in the meantime.

Follow our live coverage of this breaking incident here: Live updates from emergency incident at Shoreham Port | The Argus

A helicopter landed next to the Shoreham lifeboat station

A major multi-agency response was launched after the alarm was raised shortly before 3pm on Tuesday, August 18.

HM Coastguard confirmed rescue teams, a helicopter, and lifeboat crews were sent to the scene.

Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.

The RNLI confirmed Shoreham lifeboat crews had been tasked to assist.

RNLI launch records show Shoreham Harbour lifeboats launched at 2.51pm, while Brighton Lifeboat Station recorded launches at 3.08pm and 3.10pm.