The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea off Brighton, England, following a call to emergency services at approximately 5.45am on 13 May 2026. The recovery occurred near Madeira Drive, with initial reports indicating one person in the water before three bodies were located. The women were first observed at Brighton’s Palace Pier before drifting toward the marina. Police confirmed that fast-moving inquiries were underway to establish the identities of the deceased and to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The women were reported to be in the age range of 20 to 30 years old. Emergency services, including the coastguard, RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham, and rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Birling Gap, responded to the scene. A helicopter was deployed, and a lifeboat remained at sea. The sea was described as choppy, with waves striking the marina wall. Police confirmed that no further individuals were being searched for at this stage.
Sussex Police stated that CCTV from surrounding properties and local businesses was being gathered and reviewed as part of the investigation. The beach was closed for the remainder of the afternoon. Police and coastguard personnel were stationed along the seafront and beach during the morning. The MP for Brighton Pavilion, Siân Berry, and the MP for Brighton, Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward, expressed condolences. The leader of Brighton and Hove city council, Bella Sankey, also sent her condolences to the families of the women.