The three women, believed to be in their late teens to early 20s, were fully clothed when they were recovered from the water near Madeira DriveKelly Williams Chief reporter/Content editor, Emma O’Neill Content Editor and Patrick Hill

16:38, 13 May 2026Updated 19:30, 13 May 2026

Two individuals in high-visibility vests stand guard on a paved area, with a trash receptacle and a bicycle in the background. A barricade and a large building are visible in the distance, suggesting a controlled or secure environment.

Police guard the beach after the bodies were found(Image: Getty Images)

Three women found dead on Brighton seafront were found fully clothed.

The women, believed to be in their late teens to early 20s, are understood to have been fully clothed with their handbags found at the scene.

The unnamed trio were discovered after the police and coastguard were called to reports of concerns for a person seen in the water at around 5.45am this morning. Two of the women were reportedly found on the beach at nearby Black Rock Beach, while the third was found near Brighton Pier.

A police investigation is now underway to identify the women. One local worker said: “Police were down earlier speaking to people from the club. Apparently their handbags were found on the beach along with a coat. I saw coastguard officers searching for more of their personal belongings like phones.

“It’s absolutely dreadful. The student night is always packed out. I was told students were spilling out onto the beach, smoking and drinking.”

An aerial view of a beach area where several police vehicles are parked along the roadside, with a beach and ocean visible in the background.

Emergency services at the scene

Police have confirmed they are not seeking anyone else following the discovery, reports the Daily Star.

At a press conference held at the seafront scene, Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays described it as a “tragic incident”. “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin,” he said. “I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community, and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened.

“This includes gathering and reviewing CCTV in the surrounding area.” He added that the coastguard is not searching for any additional individuals.

Emergency services, accompanied by a helicopter and lifeboats, rushed to the beach on Wednesday morning following reports of concern for three women in the sea.

Crews arrived at approximately 5.45am. Tragically, the bodies of three women were subsequently recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive.

An aerial view of a coastal city with modern architecture, a prominent curved building, and a busy road leading to a car park with numerous vehicles parked along the seashore.

Emergency services at the scene today(Image: Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA Media)

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays had earlier stated: “This is a tragic incident and fast-moving enquiries 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. We will provide further updates as soon as they are available.”

Following the heartbreaking discovery, the coastguard issued an official statement confirming: “HM Coastguard is responding to an incident reported at Brighton beach at about 5.50am on 13 May.

“An HM Coastguard helicopter has been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton and Birling Gap, and three RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham. Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also attended.”

A group of individuals, dressed in high-visibility safety gear, are gathered on a pebbled beach, with the ocean visible in the background. The individuals appear to be engaged in an activity, possibly a search or rescue operation. A small boat can be seen on the water in the distance, suggesting the presence of a coordinated effort in the area.

An investigation to determine the identities of the women is now underway. Brighton Beach stretches for eight miles along the pebbled shoreline of the southern English city.

The RNLI has confirmed that Brighton Lifeboat and Shoreham All-weather Lifeboat were dispatched at approximately 6am this morning to support the search operation.

Many people have expressed their grief on social media following the tragedy. “My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the women,” one person wrote on Facebook.

Another said: “So very sad for all involved, this is a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out to everyone affected as the investigation unfolds.” A third added: “Very sad! Condolences to their family’s.”

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey has extended her sympathies 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.”