Police believe they have identified three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach. Sussex Police stated that it would not be appropriate to name them publicly until the formal identification process is completed.
Emergency Response and Recovery
Emergency services were called at approximately 5:45 am on Wednesday after concerns were raised for a person's welfare. Three bodies were subsequently pulled from the water near Madeira Drive. Sussex Police have confirmed that officers believe they have identified all three women, and their next of kin have been informed. However, the force emphasised that publicly naming them would be premature until formal identification is concluded.
Investigation Underway
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the women came to be in the water is ongoing. There is no evidence to suggest criminality or the involvement of any other individuals. Sussex Police stated that the probe includes a "number of hypotheses". It is understood that one line of inquiry being explored is whether the women may have entered the water from the beach near where they were found and subsequently got into difficulty.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays expressed his condolences, saying: "This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss. They will remain at the forefront of our minds as we search for the answers their families, and the wider public, desperately seek." He added that the investigation is sensitive and includes multiple hypotheses, urging the public not to speculate while evidence is gathered.
Scene and Community Reaction
Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach on Wednesday, with a lifeboat visible at sea and a helicopter flying overhead. The sea appeared choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall in windy conditions. Sussex Police confirmed that the beach reopened later in the evening and officers had left the scene.
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said she was "shocked and deeply saddened" and her heart goes out to the women's families. Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward described it as "deeply tragic news" and concerning for the community. Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle called it a "sobering and heartbreaking reminder" of the importance of families, neighbours, and communities. He pledged to work with emergency services, tourism services, and the seafront office to promote water safety messages.
Sussex Police have asked anyone with further information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
