Three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach have been formally identified as sisters Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walter, 32, and Rebecca Walter, 31, from the Uxbridge area of London, according to Sussex Police. The tragic discovery was made by rescuers early last Wednesday morning after reports of someone in the water at 5:45 am.
Police believe they have identified all three victims and have informed their next of kin, pending a formal identification process. Detectives have not yet established how the women died, though there is no evidence to suggest criminality or third-party involvement. One theory put forward by coastguards is that the women may have waded out to sea from the beach before getting into difficulty after stumbling off a shingle shelf where the seabed descends sharply into deep water.
A coastguard source told the Daily Mail: "The shoreline off Brighton Beach slopes steeply and many people don't realise the danger. You don't have to go far out at all before there's a big drop-off and you go from knee-high water to chest-high water. Swimmers can be pulled out of their depth very quickly from the backwash and with pebbles shifting underfoot it becomes difficult to maintain your balance, especially when you're trying to climb back up the slope with waves crashing against you."
One theory being examined is that the women went into the sea for a paddle and strayed too far out, caught by the sudden drop. They had not removed their clothes, indicating they had not intended to swim. Sussex Police has not commented on this theory, but Chief Superintendent Adam Hays stated the force is examining a number of hypotheses. "This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss," he said. "This is a sensitive investigation that includes a number of hypotheses, and it would not be appropriate to speculate as we continue to gather evidence."
The bodies were pulled from the sea early Wednesday morning when the water was reported to be choppy and cold. The city was busy with partygoers enjoying the four-week Brighton Festival and student nights out. A coastguard source initially said the women were in their late teens or early 20s and were fully clothed when pulled from the water. It is understood they were first spotted at Brighton's Palace Pier before drifting to the marina. Residents noted that Quarters, a club on the beach esplanade, runs a weekly student event called CU Next Tuesday, which finishes at 4 am. The Tuesday night event, billed as David Attenborough's 100th birthday bash, was said to have been packed out with many students spilling onto the beach.
Detectives do not know why the women entered the water, but one line of inquiry is that the deaths were misadventure—the result of a risky mishap. Witnesses claimed that the women's belongings were found on the beach. One local worker said: "Police were down earlier speaking to people. Apparently, their handbags were found on the beach along with a coat. I saw coastguard officers searching for more of their personal belongings, like phones. It's absolutely dreadful."
A source close to the investigation said the women were thought to have been in their late teens or early 20s, adding: "They were pulled from the sea this morning and were fully dressed, still in their going-out clothes." The force has dismissed online speculation about any migrant involvement. The beach remained closed throughout Wednesday as dozens of officers from Sussex Police and HM Coastguard combed the area. Images from the scene at Black Rock, near the marina, showed one body lying on the pebbles covered by orange sheeting as two police officers stood guard.
South East Ambulance Service said it was called to reports of concern for the welfare of three women in the sea off Brighton at around 5:45 am, but they were declared deceased at the scene. One onlooker said: "It's absolutely tragic. I heard they were found close to the shore and pulled out, but nothing could be done to save them. There were loads of ambulances and police here from very early. The conditions are not right for sea swimming today. It is very, very windy and there is a strong current that pushes people east from the pier. It is not inconceivable the women went into the sea near the Palace Pier around a mile away and got pushed this way. This just goes to show how dangerous it can be."
Another resident speculated that the women may have gone for a swim after a late night in the popular student town and got into difficulty. She added: "People in high spirits sometimes decide to go for a swim late at night. I suppose these poor women may have decided on a late-night dip with tragic results. They may have gone into the sea closer to the pier and got into trouble." A restaurant owner echoed this suspicion, noting the sea was very choppy and that sea swimmers generally avoid rough conditions. "My feeling is the women have possibly gone for a night-time dip and been swept towards Black Rock. It's an absolute tragedy."
The area where the bodies were found is known locally as 'the washing machine'—a patch of churning water that swirls unpredictably. Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said she was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear the news. "My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women and on behalf of Brighton and Hove, I send sincere condolences," she said. Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward added it was "deeply tragic news" and concerning for the community. Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle called it a "sobering and heartbreaking reminder" that families, neighbours, and communities are what matter. "We will all be working with emergency services, tourism services, and the seafront office to further promote messages about the risks around water," he said. "Our seafront is one of the many jewels in the crown of our city but the sea can be a risk. However, for tonight I shall only be thinking about the families and friends affected by this tragedy."
Sussex Police have asked anyone with further information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
