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.”
Key Points
- Bodies of three women recovered from sea
- Footage shows large search and rescue operation this morning
- People urged to avoid area as investigation continues
In pictures: Emergency services respond to incident at Brighton Beach
10:50 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Four coastguard teams respond to incident
10:44 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHM Coastguard has now issued a statement after three women’s bodies were pulled from the water off Brighton.
“HM Coastguard is responding to an incident reported at Brighton beach at about 5.50am on 13 May,” it said.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter has been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham.
“Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also attended.”
People urged to avoid area as investigation continues
10:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePeople have been urged to avoid the area as police continue to conduct enquiries near Madeira Drive.
Pictures show a police scene in place as a number of search and rescue and emergency services vehicles remain in the area.
Pictures show police scene in place near Brighton Beach
10:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWe are now getting pictures from Brighton Beach this morning.
A police scene is in place with a number of emergency services vehicles present.
Identities of women currently unknown, police say
10:13 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe 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.
Footage shows large search and rescue operation this morning
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVideo 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.
Large search and rescue operation currently off #Brighton seafront @HMCoastguard helicopter and 2 lifeboats @SLifeboatRNLI @RNLIBrighton 13/5/26 pic.twitter.com/W4MYzgxwRC
— Oliver Button (@OBDroning) May 13, 2026
Police statement in full as bodies of three women recovered
09:55 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice 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.”
Bodies of three women recovered from sea
09:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe 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.
