Three women have died following a “tragic incident” off the coast of Brighton.
The bodies of three women were later recovered from the water near Madeira Drive, a road that runs along the seafront to the east of Brighton Palace Pier.
“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,” Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said on Wednesday.
Members of the public were asked to stay away from Madeira Drive while police enquiries continue.
The coastguard confirmed it was not searching for anyone else.
Police guard the beach after the bodies were found on May 13, 2026 in Brighton, England
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Here is everything we know about the tragedy so far:
How did the tragedy unfold?
Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park off Madeira Drive at around 5.45am to reports of concern for a person in the water.
A major multi-agency response was launched, involving Sussex Police, HM Coastguard and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton, alongside crews from the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
The bodies of three women were later recovered from the water near Madeira Drive, east of the Volks Railway Black Rock car park.
HM Coastguard has since confirmed that the search operation has concluded and they are not looking for anyone else.
The beach area east of the Volks Railway Black Rock car park remains cordoned off while forensic teams continue their work at the scene.
Detectives leading Operation Leadmore are now reviewing CCTV footage from nearby seafront businesses and properties to establish the circumstances surrounding how and when the women entered the water.
Search and rescue vehicles seen in Black Rock car park on May 13, 2026 in Brighton
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What do we know about the victims?
In an update on Thursday, Sussex Police said they believe they have now identified all three women.
A force spokesperson said: “Their next of kin have been informed and formal identification procedures are now being undertaken.
“It would not be appropriate to publicly name the women before these procedures are completed.
“Their loved ones are being supported by specialist officers following their tragic loss.”
It was earlier reported that the women were understood to be about 20 to 30 years old and were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting to the marina.
Police and search and rescue vehicles seen in Black Rock car park on May 13, 2026 in Brighton
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How did they end up in the water?
Police are continuing to investigate this.
In the statement on Thursday, the force said there was no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “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.
“This is a sensitive investigation that includes a number of hypotheses, and it would not be appropriate to speculate as we to continue to gather evidence.
“I would once again ask for the public’s patience while we establish the full facts, which will be shared publicly as soon as we are able.”
What was the weather like?
Reports suggest there were rough seas off the coast of Brighton on Wednesday morning, caused by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 41mph.
Witnesses and safety teams noted a severe undercurrent pushing water rapidly eastwards from Brighton Pier toward the Marina.
What has the reaction been?
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has described the incident in Brighton as “awful”.
She offered her sympathies to the victims, as well as their friends and families, and urged the public not to speculate while investigations continue.
She said: “We must allow police to investigate and refrain from speculation at this time.”
Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey also issued a statement following the tragedy.
She said on Wednesday: “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 & Hove, I send sincere condolences.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts. It is heart-breaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”
One local, who lives close to the scene, told the BBC the tragedy was “horrifying”.
Jilly Francis said this is the “worst” incident she has known to happen in the area.
Asked whether this part of the beach is a common area for people to swim, Pam Hinchliffe told the BBC: “It seems to me that people tend to swim down by the pier, or by Sea Lanes, or over in Hove.”