An official inquest has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hussam El-Khawas, Zeina Alayan, and their two children. The family members lost their lives after getting into difficulty while in the water at Shoreham.

Inquests in the United Kingdom are legal proceedings held to determine the cause of death when it is sudden, unexplained, or occurred under specific circumstances. The process aims to establish the facts of the incident, including who died and how, when, and where they died. At this stage, the proceedings are in the preliminary phase, and further details regarding the specific conditions at the beach or the timeline of the emergency response are expected to be examined as the investigation continues.

Authorities have not yet released a detailed narrative of the events leading up to the tragedy, focusing instead on the formal opening of the inquest. The investigation will seek to provide clarity for the families involved and determine if any preventative measures are necessary to ensure public safety at the location. As the inquest progresses, more information regarding the findings of the coroner will likely be made public.