Three Women Die After Being Recovered From Sea Near Brighton Marina
Three women, understood to be aged between 20 and 30, have died after being recovered from the sea off Brighton. Emergency teams were called at approximately 05:45 BST to a report of a person in the water near Black Rock car park on Madeira Drive. Upon arrival, two additional bodies were found nearby.
Brighton & Hove City Council leader, Bella Sankey, expressed profound grief, calling the news 'the most devastating' the city had experienced 'for a very long time'. Sankey highlighted the ongoing challenge of identifying the women and informing their next of kin, which she described as 'heartbreaking and distressing'.
Sussex Police are investigating several lines of inquiry, including the possibility that the women entered the sea from the beach and subsequently encountered difficulties. The coastguard has concluded its search, confirming no other individuals are believed to be missing. Public speculation regarding the incident has been discouraged by authorities.
A large cordon around the Black Rock beach area was in place for emergency operations, but the beach has since reopened. The Brighton segment of the annual 'Paddle Out' protest, organised by Surfers Against Sewage, has been cancelled as a result of the incident.
Concerns about sea safety were raised by local residents, with one swimmer noting the 'treacherous' nature of the local waters. The council stated it has implemented a comprehensive lifeguard service, increased during summer months, and recently completed a seafront safety review.
