**Title: Palestinian Refugee and Two Relatives Drown Off English Coast**
**Date: August 19, 2026**
In a tragic incident off the Sussex coast of England, three members of a Palestinian British family drowned while swimming near Shoreham Fort in Shoreham-by-Sea. The Palestinian embassy in London confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, following the family's outing the previous day.
The deceased have been identified as Hossam al-Khawas, a Palestinian refugee originally from the Rashidieh Camp in southern Lebanon, along with a woman and a teenage girl. A younger girl was also involved in the incident and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Emergency services, including police, paramedics, coastguard crews, and a lifeboat, responded promptly to the scene, where four individuals were pulled from the water.
The embassy has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with British authorities to gather more details about the incident and to check on the condition of the injured girl.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his condolences, describing the event as “a terrible family tragedy.” He emphasized the importance of safety in open water swimming, particularly in light of the rising number of drownings across Europe amid a persistent heatwave. Reports indicate that similar incidents have occurred in various countries, including France and Germany, as people seek relief from the extreme temperatures.
Experts have warned that swimming in open water can pose significant risks, including cold water shock, strong currents, and unpredictable changes in water depth. The recent surge in drownings has raised concerns among safety officials and prompted calls for greater awareness regarding the dangers associated with swimming in natural bodies of water.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of the family members, and thoughts remain with the young girl fighting for her life. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of swimming in open water, especially during periods of extreme heat.