Tributes and Police Response
Heartfelt tributes have been left on Brighton Beach for three women who died in the sea earlier this week.
Sussex Police reported that emergency teams were first called on Wednesday at approximately 05:45 BST following a report of a person in the water near Black Rock car park on Madeira Drive, which runs along the beachfront. Upon arrival, two additional bodies were recovered from the sea nearby.
One tribute at the scene stated:
"I am so, so sorry. This is such an awful loss and I can't begin to imagine how scared you felt girls. My thoughts are with you and I am devastated for your families and friends. I don't know if you were local but this has had a huge effect on us all."
"You all had so much more to live for. I am so sorry."
Another tribute read:
"[I am] so sorry. [I am] so sad this has happened. Rest in peace, dear angels."
Investigation and Identification
On Thursday, Sussex Police stated they believed they had identified the three women but would not publicly name them until "procedures are completed."
The circumstances leading to the women being in the water remain unknown. The coastguard concluded its search and confirmed it was not seeking any additional individuals.
Community Impact and Reactions
Robbie Jones, who became a water safety campaigner after his father drowned in the sea off Hove Beach in 2021, shared his perspective with BBC Radio Sussex:
"I know exactly what this is like. Grief is hard enough, death is hard enough, but to have grief and loss in these circumstances is truly devastating and it's another kind of layer of burden when it comes to grief."
Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry described the incident as "devastating, heartbreaking news." She told BBC Radio Sussex:
"It's a tragedy I think that has affected everyone in the city. You can feel the emotions from people who talk about it, and the rest of the country as well. I'm getting messages from lots people who are not in Brighton who are nevertheless sending their thoughts in our directions. It's a genuine tragedy."
Details and Ongoing Inquiry
It is understood the women were initially spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting to the marina.
One line of inquiry being explored by police is that the women may have entered the sea from the beach and subsequently experienced difficulty.
Officers have stated there is no evidence suggesting any third-party involvement or criminal activity.
Authorities have requested that anyone with information that could assist the investigation contact Sussex Police.
Contact and Follow-Up
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Send story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on 08081 002250.
