The three women whose bodies were pulled from the sea near Brighton yesterday have been identified.

But police said it would not be appropriate to publicly name them until the process to formally identify them is completed.

An investigation into how the women came to be in the water is ongoing, with ‘a number of hypotheses’ being explored.

There is no evidence to suggest criminality or that anyone else was involved, Sussex Police said in an update this morning.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: ‘This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss.

‘They will remain at the forefront of our minds as we search for the answers their families, and the wider public, desperately seek.

‘This is a sensitive investigation that includes a number of hypotheses, and it would not be appropriate to speculate as we continue to gather evidence.

‘I would once again ask for the public’s patience while we establish the full facts, which will be shared publicly as soon as we are able.’

Emergency services at the scene on Madeira Drive, Brighton. The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton early today, Sussex Police said. Picture date: Wednesday May 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Media
Emergency services at the scene on Madeira Drive, Brighton (Picture: PA)

Emergency services at the scene on Madeira Drive, Brighton. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Media
The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton (Picture: PA)
Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a woman’s welfare at around 5.45am on Wednesday, before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive on Brighton’s seafront.

It is understood that the women are approximately 20 to 30 years old.

Emergency services at the scene on Madeira Drive, Brighton. The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton early today, Sussex Police said. Picture date: Wednesday May 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Media
Police say they believe they have now identified the three women (Picture: PA)
Reacting to the deaths, Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said she was ‘shocked and deeply saddened’, and her heart goes out to the women’s families.

Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward added it was ‘deeply tragic news’ which was concerning for the community and everyone affected.

    BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Police guard the beach after the bodies were found on May 13, 2026 in Brighton, England. Police say the bodies of three women have been recovered from the sea in Brighton, after emergency services received calls for their welfare around 5:45 this morning. Police are working to identify the women and investigate the circumstances of their deaths. (Photo by Charlotte Coney/Getty Images)

Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle said that it was a ‘sobering and heartbreaking reminder’ that families, neighbours and communities are what is important.

‘We will all be working with emergency services, tourism services and the seafront office to further promote messages about the risks around water,’ he said on Wednesday.

‘Our seafront is one of the many jewels in the crown of our city but the sea can be a risk. However, for tonight I shall only be thinking about the families and friends affected by this tragedy.’

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