Emergency workers on Brighton beach have recovered the bodies of three women from the sea, prompting a major investigation by Sussex police. Officers were called at approximately 5:45 AM on Wednesday following concerns for the women's welfare, and the bodies were retrieved from the water near Madeira Drive.
Initial Response and Recovery
Emergency services initially responded to reports of a single person in the water, but upon arrival, three bodies were recovered. Police have stated that fast-moving inquiries are underway to establish the identities of the women and understand the circumstances leading to their deaths. It remains unclear who raised the alarm or whether the three women were part of a larger group.
Police Statement
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays of Sussex police described the incident as tragic. “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin,” he said. “I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community, and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened. This includes gathering and reviewing CCTV in the surrounding area, including from properties and local businesses nearby.”
Coastguard and Lifeboat Involvement
The coastguard deployed a helicopter, rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Birling Gap, as well as three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham. Hays added, “Our partners in the coastguard are completing an extensive search of the water, and at this stage, we are not searching for anyone else. I know this is concerning for the community, but I would ask the public to stay away from the scene at this time while emergency services continue their work. We will provide further updates as soon as they are available.”
Beach Closure and Scene
The beach will remain closed for at least the rest of the afternoon. Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and beach throughout the morning. A lifeboat was visible out at sea, and a helicopter flew overhead. The sea was choppy, with waves hitting the marina wall.
Community and Political Reactions
The MP for Brighton Pavilion, Siân Berry, expressed her sorrow: “Unbearably sad news this morning. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these three women. Huge appreciation for all the work the emergency services are doing in a heartbreaking situation.”
The MP for Brighton, Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward, said: “This is deeply tragic news and understandably very concerning for our community and everyone affected. I would like to thank our emergency services for their swift response and the difficult work they continue to carry out at the scene.”
The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, sent her condolences to the families of the three women. In a statement, she said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off the Brighton coast this morning. My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women, and on behalf of Brighton and Hove I send sincere condolences. I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts; it is heartbreaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading to this tragic loss of life.
