Coastguard shares 'tragic theory' as three women pulled out of sea in Brighton
After police identified the three women involved in a Brighton tragedy earlier today, a coastguard has shared their theory on what might have happened.
Investigations were launched after the bodies of three women were dragged from the sea near Brighton Marina yesterday (Wednesday 13 May).
Emergency services were called early on Wednesday morning at around 5.45am due to concerns over a woman's welfare, and sadly that concern evolved into 'an utterly heartbreaking tragedy' after three bodies were discovered.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said that his 'thoughts are with the loved ones of these three young women after their devastating loss'.
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Locals have expressed shock at the women's apparent desire to enter the sea, considering the 'windy, cold and choppy' conditions, but now a coastguard has perhaps shed some more light on what might have led them to sadly lose their lives.
They told The Sun: “It’s feared at least one of the women went into the water for a paddle and was then suddenly dragged into danger after misjudging the shingle shelf.
“If you took one pace out thinking it’s flat you could go down two feet or more very quickly.
“That can turn things very dangerous very quickly.”
The pebbled beach at Brighton Marina can be easily misjudged because of the steep slopes and the coastguard certainly thinks that this could have been a factor in this week's shocking news.
Earlier today, Sussex Police confirmed that they were able to identify the bodies, and suggested that 'there is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality'.
A spokesperson said: "Following extensive enquiries, we believe we have now identified all three women.
"Their next of kin have been informed and formal identification procedures are now being undertaken," the force said.
"It would not be appropriate to publicly name the women before these procedures are completed. Their loved ones are being supported by specialist officers following their tragic loss.
"An investigation is ongoing to understand how all three women came to be in the water."
Chief Superintendent Hays added: “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."
Bella Sankey, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said her heart goes out to everyone affected by the tragedy.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three women off the Brighton coast this morning,” Sankey said.
“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.”
LADbible has approached Sussex Police for an update.
Topics: News
James Moorhouse