Vigil held for family of four who all tragically died after getting into difficulty in sea off Shoreham

A FAMILY of four who were all killed in a devastating sea tragedy have been remembered at a moving vigil. Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their daughter Sara, 14, died after getting into trouble in the water at Shoreham, West Sussex. Hassan El-Khawas died alongside his wife and daughter after getting into difficulty in the water Credit: Supplied Hassan’s partner Zeina Alyan also tragically died in the horror Credit: Supplied Their six-year-old daughter Saja was rescued alive and rushed to hospital in a critical condition. But heartbreakingly, she died three days later on Friday, bringing the family death toll to four. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! A vigil was held at Kingston Beach, where the tragedy unfolded, as mourners gathered to remember the family. A one-minute silence was also held in Shoreham town centre as the community came together in grief. His daughter Sara also jumped in amid a frantic rescue bid to save her sister Credit: Supplied A mother and daughter lay flowers on the beach at Shoreham-by-Sea Credit: PA Reverend Pat Alden told those gathered: “When something happens, whether it’s something we celebrate… or tragic circumstances like this, the community comes together.” He added: “Shoreham is the sort of place where the community comes together at times like this. We are a very close-knit community.” The family were British citizens of Palestinian origin who came to the UK from Rashidieh Camp in southern Lebanon, according to the Palestinian embassy. It is understood they had travelled from their home in north-west London to Shoreham for a day out on Tuesday. Most read in The Sun The family entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort at around 2pm before getting into difficulty. Floral tributes have since been left at the beach where the devastating tragedy took place. Neighbours described the family, who lived in a first-floor two-bedroom council flat, as “warm” and close. Sara’s school in west London also paid a heartbreaking tribute to the teenager. Floral tributes on the beach at Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex Credit: PA A woman lays lowers on the beach at Shoreham-by-Sea Credit: PA The school said: “Sara was a sweet girl, well-liked by staff and students and she will be greatly missed. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all those affected. “This news will be deeply upsetting for many students, families and staff.” Sussex cops believe the deaths were a tragic accident based on CCTV and initial witness accounts. The force has said there is currently no indication of third-party involvement, although its investigation remains open. Chief Superintendent James Collis said after Saja’s death: “This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic events. “The impact of this tragedy has been felt across the country and I know the Shoreham community, emergency responders and all involved will continue to be affected for a long time to come.” Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as a “terrible family tragedy”. Aerial footage of the beach shows the huge emergency response Credit: BBC/UNPIXS A moving note pays tribute to the family is left at the bench Credit: PA Adnan Hmidan, chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, said the community had been left “deeply shocked and saddened”. He said: “The Palestinian, Arab and wider community in Britain, along with the many friends and supporters of our community, have been deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident involving the Khawwas family during a day trip off the coast of Sussex.” The vigil came as a community united to remember a family whose day at the seaside ended in unimaginable tragedy. Comment now