Emergency services were called to Brighton seafront at around 5.45am on Tuesday 13 May following reports of concern for the welfare of a person in the water.
A short while later, the bodies of three young women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive, Sussex Police confirmed. An investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances.
The police statement
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “At around 5.45am this morning, we were called to Brighton beach with concerns for the welfare of a person in the water. A short while after, the bodies of three young women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive.”
A police cordon remained in place along Madeira Drive through the morning while emergency services completed the recovery operation. HM Coastguard, RNLI Brighton crews and the South East Coast Ambulance Service were all in attendance. Formal identification has not yet taken place, and the families of those involved are being informed.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact Sussex Police online or via 101.
The Madeira Drive stretch
Madeira Drive is the eastern stretch of Brighton’s seafront, running from the Palace Pier toward Brighton Marina beneath the historic Madeira Terrace. It is one of the most heavily walked and used parts of the city’s coastline year-round, with Volk’s Railway running parallel along the promenade.
The incident comes during a period in which Brighton seafront safety has been under increasing public scrutiny, with calls for additional lifeguarding cover, improved lighting along the eastern stretch, and clearer crisis support signage at key points along the city’s coast.
Brighton & Hove City Council and Sussex Police are expected to issue further statements in the coming hours.
Where to find support
If you have been affected by this story, support is available locally and nationally. The Samaritans can be contacted free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123, or by email at [email protected]. The Sussex Mental Healthline operates 24/7 on 0800 0309 500. Brighton-based charity Grassroots Suicide Prevention also offers training, resources and signposting for anyone affected by suicide loss.
Related Reading
- Madeira Drive: A Guide to Brighton’s Historic Seafront
- Brighton Seafront Safety: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t
- Mental Health Support Services in Brighton and Hove
