Three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach have been identified for the first time as sisters from London.
Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a person’s welfare at around 5.45am on May 13, before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
The women have been named by Sussex Police as Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32 and Rebecca Walters, 31, from the Uxbridge area of London.
Their father Joseph paid tribute to his three daughters “whose lives ended so tragically far too soon”.
He said there are days when the grief feels “unbearable” but he holds onto the memories they shared and “the bond that death can never take away”.
A statement said: “Jane, Christina, and Becky were more than daughters to me; they were my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love.
“Each of you was unique and precious in your own special way. Your smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort, and your presence made life more meaningful.
“Though your time on earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever.”
Sussex Police have said there is no evidence to suggest criminality or that anyone else was involved, but specialist detectives are working to gather the full facts and circumstances around their deaths.
Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage have been reviewed and inquiries made to businesses and properties around the beach area to try to track the women’s last movements, the force said.
Anyone with information is asked to come forward, particularly anyone who saw the sisters around the Madeira Drive area between 10pm on May 12 and 5.30am May 13.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said the force “will leave no stone unturned” in the investigation to understand what led to the “tragic events of that Wednesday morning”.
“The thoughts of everyone at Sussex Police are with the family of Jane, Christina and Rebecca following this devastating loss,” he said.
“This investigation will continue in earnest, with Jane, Christina and Rebecca’s family at its centre. I would ask that they are given the privacy to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.”
Anyone with information can contact police online or via 101 quoting Operation Ledmore, serial 438 of 20/05.
