Three women’s bodies were recovered from the sea in Brighton early today after emergency services were called to the seafront just before 5.45am. The women were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive following concerns for their welfare, Sussex Police said.
A large multi-agency response was deployed to the scene, involving Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the South East Coast Ambulance Service. The Coastguard scrambled a helicopter and sent rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, while three lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham were launched to assist with the search and recovery. The operation centred on the Black Rock area, close to Brighton Marina.
Police investigation
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays confirmed that the force’s immediate priority is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, he described the incident as “tragic” and said the Coastguard had completed an “extensive search” of the water. He added that officers are not looking for anyone else.
“We are at the very early stages of our enquiries,” Hays said. “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin. 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.” He confirmed the women were young, but declined to give specific ages.
The investigation includes gathering and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area, including from nearby properties and businesses. The beach will remain closed east of Volk’s Railway Black Rock car park for at least the rest of the afternoon, and police have urged members of the public to stay away from the scene. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Sussex Police via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
Community reaction
Local political figures expressed shock and sorrow. Brighton Pavilion MP Siân Berry said: “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.”
Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, described the news as “deeply tragic” and thanked the emergency services for their “swift response and the difficult work they continue to carry out at the scene.”
Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the deaths. In a social media post she wrote: “My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women and on behalf of Brighton & Hove, I send sincere condolences.” She also thanked the emergency services for their “quick response and combined efforts,” and echoed the police appeal for residents to avoid the area while investigations continue.
As a mark of respect, the Brighton Festival cancelled its performance of “Carnation” scheduled for the evening of 13 May.
