The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive off Brighton's eastern seafront on May 13, 2026, following an early morning emergency call at 5:45 a.m. local time [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Multiple emergency vehicles, lifeboats, a coastguard helicopter, and coastguard teams from Shoreham, Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Birling Gap rushed to the scene to assist with recovery efforts [2, 5].
Sussex Police said investigations are ongoing to confirm the identities of the three women and to understand exactly what happened. Police have informed next of kin but have not yet released the women’s names publicly [1, 3]. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays called it "a tragic incident," with "fast-moving inquiries" underway to establish the circumstances [2]. He added, "This is an utterly heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss" [3].
Authorities stated there is currently no evidence of criminality or involvement of any other parties. One line of inquiry is that the women entered the water from the beach and encountered difficulties [3].
The coastguard completed an extensive search of the water but is not searching for any additional persons following the recovery [4]. Police asked the public to avoid the area and encouraged anyone with information to contact them, referring to the case as operation Ledmor [1, 3].
Brighton and Hove city council leader Bella Sankey described the deaths as "harrowing and deeply distressing," stating the city will review safety measures in response [3]. The emergency alarm was first raised on the morning of May 13, and police began investigations the same day after recovery of the bodies [1, 3].
