Three women have died following a “tragic incident” off the coast of Brighton.
Emergency services were called to Brighton seafront at 5.45am on Wednesday morning following reports of “a person” in the water.
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,” Sussex Police 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.
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.
Ch Supt Hays said the force was examining “a number of hypotheses”.
One theory is the women may have waded out to sea from the beach and stumbling off a shingle shelf where the seabed descends sharply into deep water.
A coastguard source told the Daily Mail: “The shoreline off Brighton Beach slopes steeply and many people don't realise the danger. You don't have to go far out at all before there's a big drop-off and you go from knee-high water to chest-high water.
“Swimmers can be pulled out of their depth very quickly from the backwash and with pebbles shifting underfoot it becomes difficult to maintain your balance, especially when you're trying to climb back up the slope with waves crashing against you.
“One theory that the coastguard are looking at is that the women went into the sea for a paddle and strayed too far out and were caught out by the sudden drop. They hadn't removed their clothes so they hadn't gone swimming.”
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.
A report emerged on Thursday that the women may be cousins. The MailOnline reported that a relative confirmed that they are cousins and that they are believed to be from London.
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."
