Bodies of three young women recovered from sea off Brighton

The bodies of three young women have been recovered from the sea off Brighton.

Sussex Police said emergency services were called after concerns were raised for the women’s welfare at around 5.45am on Wednesday, and their bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive. It is understood that the women were approximately 20 to 30 years old and were first spotted at Brighton’s Palace Pier before drifting to the marina. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays told reporters the coastguard is completing an “extensive search of the water”, but the force is not searching for anyone else. The officer said CCTV inquiries are being carried out. Following the incident, Mr Hays said: “This is a tragic incident and fast-moving inquiries are ongoing to confirm the identities of these three women and understand exactly what has happened. “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.” In a video statement posted to the force’s Facebook page, Mr Hays said: “Around 5.45am this morning emergency services were called to Brighton Beach to concerns for the welfare of a person in the water. “Very sadly a short while after, the bodies of three young women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive. The coastguard said it is responding to the incident, and has sent a helicopter as well as rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham. Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach during the morning, where a lifeboat could be seen out at sea and a helicopter was flying overhead. The sea appeared choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall. The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, has 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 beach will remain closed east of Volks Railway Black Rock car park for at least the rest of the afternoon, police said.

Published: 13/05/2026 by Radio NewsHub