Shoreham Sea Deaths: Inquest Examines Family of Four Drowning Incident

A coroner's investigation has commenced into the deaths of Hussam El-Khawas, 39, Zeina Alayan, 30, and their daughters, Malak, four, and Layan, nine. The family, from London, died after struggling in the water off Shoreham beach, West Sussex, on 16 September 2023.

Incident Details Emerge

Senior Coroner Penelope Schofield presided over the opening of the inquest at Centenary House in Crawley. Evidence presented confirmed that emergency services were alerted at approximately 19:15 GMT after the family was observed in distress in the sea near Shoreham Fort. Multiple individuals were pulled from the water by members of the public and lifeboat crews, with a considerable emergency response mounted by Coastguard, fire, and ambulance services.

Police have stated the deaths are not being treated as suspicious. The full inquest has been adjourned until 10 September. Post-mortem examinations have established the preliminary cause of death for all four family members as

drowning.