Three relatives died after getting into difficulty in the water off the Sussex coast near Shoreham, according to BBC reports. A young girl involved in the incident is in a critical condition in hospital, the broadcaster said.
The incident took place on Wednesday, 19 August 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene after the group entered the water and ran into trouble. The BBC described the event as a "real tragedy," a phrase echoed by political figures responding to the news.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, commented on the incident, using it to highlight the dangers of open-water swimming. According to The Guardian, Burnham referred to the event as a "terrible family tragedy" and warned the public about the risks associated with swimming in open water, which can involve unpredictable currents and cold temperatures.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also sent his sympathies to the relatives of those who died, The Independent reported. He described the loss of life as a "terrible tragedy" at sea.
The BBC noted that the victims were all relatives, though it did not specify their ages or genders. The girl who remains in critical condition is also believed to be part of the same family group. Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances leading up to the incident, including how long the group had been in the water before help arrived.
The incident has renewed focus on water safety along the UK coastline, particularly during the summer months when more people are drawn to the sea for recreation. Local coastguard and rescue teams were involved in the response, though specific details of the rescue operation have not been made public.
What to watch next: Further updates from Sussex Police and the coastguard on the condition of the girl and the identities of the deceased, as well as any safety advice issued for the Shoreham area.
