Three women have died following a “tragic incident” off the coast of Brighton, police have said.
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.
Members of the public have been asked to stay away from Madeira Drive while police enquiries continue.
The coastguard has confirmed it is 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:
When did the tragedy happen?
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, May 13, after emergency services received reports of concerns for the welfare of people in the water at around 5.45am.
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?
The identity of the three women remains unknown as police enquiries are ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays stated in a press briefing that “fast-moving enquiries are ongoing to confirm the identities of these three women”.
Police are actively working to locate and notify the immediate families before making any information public.
Police and search and rescue vehicles seen in Black Rock car park on May 13, 2026 in Brighton
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What was the weather like?
Reports suggest there were rough seas off the coast of Brighton this 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 this morning 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 has also issued a statement following the tragedy.
She said: “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.”
