A candlelit vigil was held in Shoreham-by-Sea this week as hundreds of residents gathered to pay their respects to a family who lost their lives after getting into difficulty in the water off the West Sussex coast.
The town fell silent as people came together to mourn the tragic loss, with flowers, candles and heartfelt messages left at the seafront in memory of those who died. The atmosphere was one of deep grief but also of community solidarity, with locals standing shoulder to shoulder to honour the family.
The incident sent shockwaves through the tight-knit coastal town, which is no stranger to the sea but was left devastated by the news. Emergency services had responded to reports of people in difficulty in the water, but despite their efforts, the family could not be saved.
Neighbours and friends described the family as well-loved members of the local community, and tributes poured in from across the region in the days following the tragedy. Many spoke of their disbelief and heartbreak, with some saying the loss had left a hole in the community that would be impossible to fill.
The vigil drew people of all ages, with children placing flowers alongside adults who stood quietly in reflection. Local faith leaders and community figures spoke at the gathering, offering words of comfort to those struggling to come to terms with what had happened.
West Sussex Police confirmed they were not treating the deaths as suspicious and that the matter had been referred to the coroner. A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.
Shoreham-by-Sea sits on the West Sussex coast between Brighton and Worthing, and like many seaside towns, its residents have a close relationship with the water. But the sea can turn dangerous quickly, and this tragedy has prompted renewed calls for greater awareness around water safety, particularly during the summer months when more families head to the coast.
The RNLI and local coastguard teams have previously urged beachgoers to check conditions before entering the water, to swim only at lifeguarded beaches, and to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see anyone in trouble at sea.
For many in Shoreham, the vigil was about more than just mourning. It was a chance for a community to hold each other up during one of its darkest moments, and to make sure this family is not forgotten.