The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton early today, Sussex Police said.
Emergency services were called to concerns for the welfare of three women in the sea at around 5.45am on Wednesday.
The women’s bodies were later pulled from the sea near Madeira Drive, the force said.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “This is a tragic incident and fast-moving enquiries 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.”
Identities of women currently unknown, police say
The identities of the women involved have not yet been established, police have said.
Sussex Police said inquiries are ongoing to confirm the identities and understand exactly what has happened.
Nicole Wootton-Cane13 May 2026 10:13
Footage shows large search and rescue operation this morning
Video footage from earlier this morning shows a large search and rescue operation taking place off Brighton Beach.
Police later confirmed three bodies had been recovered from the water.
Nicole Wootton-Cane13 May 2026 10:00
Police statement in full as bodies of three women recovered
Police have issued a short statement this morning after they pulled the bodies of three women from the sea near Brighton.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays from Sussex Police 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.”
Nicole Wootton-Cane13 May 2026 09:55
Bodies of three women recovered from sea
The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea off Brighton on Wednesday morning, Sussex Police have 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.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest in this blog.
Nicole Wootton-Cane13 May 2026 09:51