Police are still working to identify the the bodies of three women who were recovered from the sea in Brighton early today.
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. It is understood that the women were approximately 20 to 30 years old and were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting to the marina, according to reports.
“We are working hard to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify the three women and understand exactly what has happened,” Sussex police said in an update on Wednesday evening.
Police said the family of the three women “remain unaware they have lost loved ones.”
In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon chief superintendent Adam Hays said the coastguard had completed an “extensive search” of the water and are not looking for anyone else.
“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,” he said earlier on Wednesday.
Key Points
- Police 'not looking for anyone else', officers say
- Bodies of three women recovered from sea
- What we now know after police press conference
- Footage shows large search and rescue operation this morning
- People urged to avoid area as investigation continues
- Family 'unaware' as police say bodies yet to be identified
Brighton council leader 'shocked and saddened' by news
00:01 , Maira ButtBrighton Council leader Bella Sankey has said she is “shocked and deeply saddened” by this morning’s incident.
In a social media post she wrote: “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.
“To residents - please do respect police advice to avoid the area while investigations continue.”
Mapped: Where 'tragic incident' took place in Brighton
23:00 , Maira Butt
The Great Escape festival to continue as planned
22:30 , Maira ButtThe Great Escape music festival is to go ahead as planned as organisers shared a statement expressing their sympathies with the families of three women who died in Brighton.
“Following the very sad and tragic events that took place on Brighton beach this morning, The Great Escape Festival wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time,” the statement released on Wednesday read.
They added: “For those attending The Great Escape 2026, we wish to assure you that Brighton beach is a large public area and the section of beach occupied by The Great Escape Festival site has not been affect by the incident.
“Following guidance from the relevant authorities, festival operations and scheduled performances will continue as planned.”
In pictures: Police discover three bodies in sea at Brighton beach
22:01 , Maira Butt
Full story: Three women recovered off Brighton beach not believed to have attended nightclub
22:00 , Maira ButtThree women whose bodies were recovered in the sea off Brighton beach are not believed to have attended a nightclub prior to entering the water, the Press Association understands.
It is believed that the women may have entered the water from the beach near to where they were found, before getting into difficulties in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Sussex Police said a number of lines of inquiry were still being explored following the deaths.
Three women recovered off Brighton beach not believed to have attended nightclub
Brighton beach reopened after bodies discovered
21:30 , Maira ButtSussex police say that Brighton beach has reopened after being closed all day following the three discovery of the bodies of three women in the water.
“The beach has now reopened and our officers have left the scene, following a significant operation which began at 5.45am,” read a statement released on Wednesday evening.
Police are still working to identify the women thought to be aged between 20 and 30-years-old.
Watch: Coastguard helicopter scrambled to Brighton after bodies of three women found in sea
21:00 , Maira ButtBrighton council leader 'shocked and saddened' by news
20:30 , Maira ButtBrighton Council leader Bella Sankey has said she is “shocked and deeply saddened” by this morning’s incident.
In a social media post she wrote: “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.
“To residents - please do respect police advice to avoid the area while investigations continue.”
Three women recovered off Brighton beach not believed to have attended nightclub
20:10 , Maira ButtThree women whose bodies were recovered in the sea off Brighton beach are not believed to have attended a nightclub prior to entering the water, according to the Press Association.
It is believed the women may have entered the water from the beach near to where they were found, before getting into difficulty in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Full statement as Sussex police say 'family remain unaware' of the deaths
20:00 , Maira ButtBelow is a full update by Sussex police as they confirmed on Wednesday evening that the family of the three women found dead in Brighton this morning remain unaware they have died.
“Sussex Police is continuing to investigate the tragic discovery of the bodies of three women in the sea off Brighton beach this morning (13 May).
“The beach has now reopened and our officers have left the scene, following a significant operation which began at 5.45am.
“Emergency services were first called to concern for a single person in the water near Black Rocks car park in Madeira Drive. On arrival, two more bodies were sadly recovered from the sea nearby.
“We are working hard to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify the three women and understand exactly what has happened.
“Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: ‘I understand the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community and more widely.
‘This is a sensitive investigation and we know the public are keen to understand the full circumstances. But our priority at this time is identifying these three women and locating their families, who at this point remain unaware they have lost loved ones.
‘I would ask for people’s patience while we conduct these enquiries and to avoid speculation while this is ongoing.
‘Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.’”
Bodies of three women yet to be identified, say police in new update
19:49 , Maira ButtPolice are still working to identify the bodies of three women who were discovered in the sea at Brighton beach earlier today.
“We are working hard to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify the three women and understand exactly what has happened,” read a statement released on Wednesday evening.
Sussex police confirmed the beach has reopened to the public.
Coastguard sent helicopter and rescue teams from surrounding areas to help with incident
19:25 , Maira ButtHM Coastguard has told The Independent that a helicopter and rescue teams from the surrounding area to assist with efforts in Brighton after three bodies were recovered from the sea this morning.
“HM Coastguard is responding to an incident reported at Brighton beach at about 5.50am on 13 May,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter has been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and RNLI lifeboats from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven.
“Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also attended.”
Recap: Police statement in full
19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHere is chief superintendent Adam Hays' statement in full:
"At around 05:45 [BST] this morning emergency services were called to Brighton beach to concerns for the welfare of a person in the water.
"Very sadly a short while after the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive. This is a tragic incident. We are at the very early stages of our enquiries.
"Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin. I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community, and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened.
"This includes gathering and reviewing CCTV from the surrounding area, including from properties and local businesses nearby. Our partners in the Coastguard have completed an extensive search of the water and at this stage we are not searching for anyone else.
"The beach will remain closed east of Volk’s Railway Black Rock car park for at least the rest of the afternoon. We are asking the public to please stay away from the area while we work at the scene.
"Anyone with any information that could help our investigation could contact us online via 101 quoting Operation Ledmore. We will provide further updates as soon as we can."
Map shows where bodies were recovered this morning
18:30 , Maira ButtPolice said they recovered the bodies of three women from the sea near Madeira Drive this morning.
The map below shows where Madeira Drive runs along the seafront, with Brighton Pier to the left.
Nightclub releases statement on Brighton deaths
18:07 , Maira ButtA seafront nightclub has released a statement following the discovery of the bodies of three women from the sea on Wednesday.
Quarters, which hosts themed nights, including a David Attenborough event on Tuesday this week with students in attendance, said: “We are aware of an incident that took place on Brighton Beach on Tuesday night.
“Alongside all other local businesses and venues, we are supporting the police in their enquiries.”
In pictures: A day of tragedy by the Brighton seafront
17:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Most emergency services have left scene
17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneReports suggest most emergency services have left the scene on Brighton Beach this afternoon, eyewitness accounts say.
A small police presence remains, with the beach expected to be closed for the rest of the afternoon.
Recap: Police conducting CCTV searches as investigation continues
16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are conducting CCTV trawls this afternoon as officers try to establish how three womens’ bodies came to be found in the water off Brighton Beach.
Chief superintendent Adam Hays said Sussex Police will be gathering and reviewing CCTV from the surrounding area this afternoon.
He said an extensive search of the water had been carried out and concluded.
Watch: Police 'not searching for anyone else' after bodies of three women recovered in sea near Brighton
16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePublic urged to 'refrain from speculation'
15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSussex’s police and crime commissioner has urged the public to “refrain from speculation” after three bodies were found by police this morning.
In a post on X, Katy Bourne OBE wrote: “Thisis awful news & my thoughts are with their friends and loved ones. We must allow police to investigate and refrain from speculation at this time…”.
Brighton Beach to remain closed throughout afternoon
15:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBrighton Beach will remain closed this afternoon as police continue to investigate how the bodies of three women came to be recovered from the water.
Emergency services previously asked the public to avoid the area as police enquiries take place.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Sussex Police said the beach would remain closed for the duration of the afternoon.
Mapped: Where police recovered three women's bodies from the sea off Brighton Beach
14:31 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice recovered the bodies of three women on Madeira Drive on Wednesday morning.
The road runs parallel to the seafront and ends next to Brighton Palace Pier.
Our map shows where the bodies were recovered in relation to the pier.
Watch: Large search and rescue operation after bodies of three women found in sea at Brighton
14:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn pictures: Police scene remains as investigations continue
14:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Brighton MPs issue statements
13:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBrighton MPs have spoken to the BBC following this morning’s incident.
Brighton Pavilion MP, Sian Berry, said: "Unbearably sad news this morning. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these three women.
"Huge appreciation for all the work the emergency services are doing in a hearbreaking situation."
Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP, Chris Ward, said: "This is deeply tragic news and understandably very concerning for our community and everyone affected.
"I would like to thank our emergency services for their swift response and the difficult work they continue to carry out at the scene."
Brighton council leader 'shocked and saddened' by news
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBrighton Council leader Bella Sankey has said she is “shocked and deeply saddened” by this morning’s incident.
In a social media post she wrote: “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.
“To residents - please do respect police advice to avoid the area while investigations continue.”
Police statement in full
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHere is chief superintendent Adam Hays' statement in full:
"At around 05:45 [BST] this morning emergency services were called to Brighton beach to concerns for the welfare of a person in the water.
"Very sadly a short while after the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive. This is a tragic incident. We are at the very early stages of our enquiries.
"Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin. I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community, and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened.
"This includes gathering and reviewing CCTV from the surrounding area, including from properties and local businesses nearby. Our partners in the Coastguard have completed an extensive search of the water and at this stage we are not searching for anyone else.
"The beach will remain closed east of Volk’s Railway Black Rock car park for at least the rest of the afternoon. We are asking the public to please stay away from the area while we work at the scene.
"Anyone with any information that could help our investigation could contact us online via 101 quoting Operation Ledmore. We will provide further updates as soon as we can."
What we now know after police press conference
12:53 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have finished giving a short press conference after the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea this morning.
Here’s everything we now know:
• Police say they are not looking for anyone else after the three bodies were recovered
• The force said its priority is now to identify all three women and contact their next of kin
• Chief superintendent Adam Hays said alarm had been raised at around 5:45am over the concern for the welfare of “a person” in the water
• He added a scene will remain in place into the afternoon
Police 'not looking for anyone else', officers say
12:37 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays says it is a "tragic incident" and that the force are not looking for anyone else.
He said: “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin.
“I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened – this includes gathering and reviewing CCTV in the surrounding area, including from properties and local business nearby.
“Our partners in the Coast Guard are completing an extensive search of the water and, at this stage, we are not searching for anyone else.”
Police conference in Brighton begins
12:35 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are now beginning a press conference near Brighton Beach.
We’ll bring you all the latest lines as they come.
Pictures show huge emergency services presence on Brighton seafront
12:27 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Sussex Police expected to give press conference
12:12 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSussex Police are expected to give a press conference on the ongoing incident shortly.
We’ll bring you the latest in this blog once the update gets started.
Search ongoing, police say
11:51 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have reportedly said searches of the sea off Brighton Beach are ongoing this morning.
Sussex Police will hold a press conference at 12pm.
Map shows where bodies were recovered this morning
11:50 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice said they recovered the bodies of three women from the sea near Madeira Drive this morning.
The map below shows where Madeira Drive runs along the seafront, with Brighton Pier to the left.
Police stationed along seafront as lifeboat and helicopter spotted
11:40 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach during the morning, where a lifeboat could be seen out at sea and a helicopter was flying overhead.
The sea appears choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall.
What we don't know as bodies of three women recovered
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWe still have limited information this morning as police continue to conduct enquiries to establish the circumstances that led to three women’s bodies being recovered from the water.
Here’s what we don’t yet know:
• The identities of the women. Police said they are working to confirm who the women are, but as of yet have not released details including names and ages.
• How they came to be in the water. Any details of the circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet clear.
Everything we know as police investigation launched
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are investigating after the bodies of three women were pulled from the sea in Brighton this morning.
Here’s everything we know so far:
• Emergency services were called at around 5:45am after concerns were raised for the welfare of three women in the water
• At 5:50am HM Coastguard was notified and sent one helicopter, four rescue teams and three lifeboats to the scene
• Their bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive
• Sussex Police said they are working to confirm the identities of the women and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident
• A police scene remains in place on Brighton Beach
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.