Police believe they have identified three women who died in the sea off Brighton on Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to the beach after concerns were raised for the welfare of a person in the water at around 5.45am. They were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier and then by the marina.
The coastguard deployed a helicopter and rescue teams from the surrounding area to assist with efforts. Three bodies were later recovered from the sea nearby.
Sussex Police investigators said they have “a number of hypotheses” about how they died after carrying out extensive enquiries.
Their next of kin have all been informed, and the formal identification procedures are currently underway. The women will not be publicly named until these procedures have been completed, police added. Their families are currently being supported by specialist officers.
Chief superintendent Adam Hays called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy” and asked the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.
“This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss,” he said. “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.”
An investigation is ongoing to understand how all three women came to be in the water. Police have said there is no evidence at present to suggest third-party involvement or criminality.
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey called the incident "the most devastating news" the city had received "for a very long time".
"I can't think of anything more tragic or more horrendous, really," she told BBC Radio Sussex. "This is the last thing that anyone wants or expects to happen."
Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, said the incident was a "sobering and heartbreaking reminder that our families, neighbours and communities are what is important".
“I am desperately upset for the families and friends of these women,” he added on Wednesday. “At these tragic times I also think about the Coastguard and the police. So I've also written a letter of thanks to them – their courage and bravery is to be so admired.
"Our seafront is one of the many jewels in the crown of our city, but the sea can be a risk.
"However, for tonight I shall only be thinking about the families and friends affected by this tragedy."
A large cordon was in place around the beach at Black Rock on Wednesday as emergency services dealt with the incident. The beach has since reopened.
The force asked anyone with information that could help to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.
