Three women recovered off Brighton beach not believed to have attended nightclub

Authorities are still working hard to identify the deceased and understand exactly what happened

Three women whose bodies were recovered in the sea off Brighton beach on Wednesday (13 May) are not believed to have attended a nightclub prior to entering the water, the Press Association reports.

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.

Sussex Police said that a number of lines of enquiry are still being explored following the deaths.

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Emergency services were alerted to a welfare concern at approximately 5.45am.

Three women, estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, were recovered from the water. Authorities are currently working to identify the deceased and notify their next of kin

Initial rumours suggested the group attended Quarters nightclub on Kings Road prior to the incident, but the Press Association understands this was not the case.

Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays emphasised that the priority remains the dignified identification of the victims.

“This is a sensitive investigation and we know the public are keen to understand the full circumstances,” Hays stated. “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.”

Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach all 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, said her heart went out to the women’s families.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off the Brighton coast this morning,” she said in a statement. “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.”

The beach has now reopened and officers have left the scene.

Sussex Police have asked anyone with further information to contact them online or on 101, quoting Operation Ledmore.