Three women found drowned off Brighton seafront are believed to have been partying at a David Attenborough-themed student night before being swept to their deaths. The victims, thought to be in their late teens or early 20s, were discovered after police and coastguard responded to reports of a person in the water at around 5.45am on Wednesday.
Investigation Underway
Sussex Police are investigating claims that the women may have been at the popular bar Quarters. Staff at the venue declined to comment. A nearby shop worker said: "Police were down earlier speaking to people from the club. 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."
The venue on the beach esplanade hosted a student event on Tuesday night called CU Next Tuesday, billed as David Attenborough's 100th birthday bash, which was due to finish at 4am.
Recovery Efforts
Two of the women were reportedly found on Black Rock Beach, while the third was near Brighton Pier. All were found fully clothed. A coastguard helicopter and rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Birling Gap joined three RNLI lifeboats in a desperate search.
Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey expressed shock and condolences. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: "Very sadly, the bodies of three young women were recovered from the sea. Our priority is to identify them and contact next of kin. We are gathering CCTV from local businesses."
South East Ambulance crews helped recover the women, but they were declared deceased at the scene.
