Bodies of three women recovered from sea on UK beach
The bodies of three women have been recovered from the sea off Brighton, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for the women’s welfare at around 5.45 am on Wednesday (13 May), and their bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays from Sussex Police told Tyla in a statement: “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.
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“We will provide further updates as soon as they are available.”
Hays told reporters the coastguard is completing an 'extensive search of the water', but the force is not searching for anyone else.
The officer said CCTV inquiries are being carried out.
The coastguard said it is responding to the incident, and has sent a helicopter as well as rescue teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham.
Police 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 appeared choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall.
The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, has sent her condolences to the families of the three women
In a statement, 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 and Hove I send sincere condolences.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and combined efforts; it is heartbreaking that their recovery efforts have ended in such tragic circumstances.”
Rhiannon Ingle