Sussex Police have identified three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off the coast of Brighton on Thursday [1].
The deaths mark a significant tragedy for the coastal city, occurring in a high-traffic area near the Brighton Palace Pier. Local officials said the event was one of the most devastating pieces of news the city has received in a long time.
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 5:45 GMT [2] on May 14, 2026 [3]. The recovery operation took place off Brighton beach, specifically near the Black Rock car park on Madeira Drive, located east of the pier [4].
"We have identified the three women and have informed their families," a Sussex Police spokesperson said [5]. The identities of the victims have not been released to the public.
While the official cause of death is listed as drowning, coastguard sources suggest the women may have been caught by a hidden drop in the sea following a night out [6]. This specific detail regarding the seabed topography remains a point of investigation as authorities determine how the group entered the water.
"The most devastating news the city has received for a very long time," the Leader of Brighton & Hove Council said [7].
Police and coastguard teams worked throughout the early hours of the morning to secure the area and recover the three [1] victims. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the drownings continues.
“"We have identified the three women and have informed their families."”
The incident highlights the inherent dangers of the Brighton coastline, where sudden changes in seabed depth can create treacherous conditions for swimmers or those entering the water, particularly during nighttime or early morning hours when visibility is low.
