Three members of a Palestinian British family have drowned after entering the sea off England’s Sussex coast, the Palestinian embassy in London announced on Wednesday. The incident occurred near Shoreham Fort in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, a day after the family went for a swim.

The father, identified as Hossam al-Khawas, was a Palestinian refugee originating from the Rashidieh Camp in southern Lebanon. Emergency services, including police, paramedics, coastguard crews, and a lifeboat, were deployed to the scene where four individuals were pulled from the water.

Al-Khawas, an unnamed woman, and a teenage girl were pronounced dead at the scene. A younger girl was transported to a hospital in critical condition. The Palestinian mission in the United Kingdom stated it is closely monitoring the situation and liaising with British authorities to understand the circumstances and check on the injured girl.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the event as a "terrible family tragedy" and used the incident to warn about the dangers of open water swimming. He extended his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and offered support to the critically injured girl.

The drownings come amid a heatwave across Europe, which has seen an increase in people seeking relief in open waters. Experts have cautioned about the inherent risks associated with open-water swimming, such as cold water shock, powerful currents, and sudden changes in water depth, which can pose significant dangers even in seemingly calm conditions.

Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the family's entry into the water and the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The focus remains on supporting the surviving child and providing assistance to the bereaved family.

This incident highlights the risks associated with recreational water activities, particularly in unfamiliar or challenging coastal environments. The Palestinian embassy's involvement underscores the international dimension of the tragedy, given the family's background.

Further details regarding the investigation and the condition of the injured girl are expected to be released as they become available.