United Kingdom authorities have launched an investigation into the death of three Nigerian-British sisters who were found in the sea near Brighton Beach on May 13, 2026.

The sisters, Rebecca Walter (31), Jane Adetoro (36), and Christiana Walter (32), were from the Uxbridge area of West London.

Emergency services were called at about 05:45 BST to a report of a person in the water near Black Rock car park in Madeira Drive. Two other bodies were also recovered from the sea nearby.

The tragic development has stirred reactions both within the Nigerian and British communities, with many expressing shock and grief over the incident.

On his part, their father, Joseph Adetoro, described feeling "unbearable grief" as a result of the shocking loss.

Paying tribute, he said in a statement: "No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives."

He continued: "Jane, Christina, and Becky were more than daughters to me; they were my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love."

As though speaking to his daughters, Joseph said: "Each of you was unique and precious in your own special way.

"Your smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort, and your presence made life more meaningful.

"Though your time on earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever.

"You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply missed."

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 05:45 BST on 13 May

Sussex Police said an investigation into how the three came to be in the water was ongoing.

It added: "There is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality, but specialist detectives are working hard to gather the full facts and circumstances of their deaths."

Ch Supt Adam Hays said the force would "leave no stone unturned" in its investigation.

He said he knew the deaths had profoundly affected the local community but urged people to respect the family's privacy while they "come to terms with this terrible tragedy".

A satellite map of Brighton seafront in the UK showing the coastline, with labels for “Brighton,” “Palace Pier,” “Madeira Drive,” and “Marina.” A red box highlights the approximate area offshore where bodies were recovered from the water, east of the pier near the marina. A small inset map of the UK marks the location in southern England, and a scale bar indicates distance.

The women's father said their deaths had "left an emptiness that words cannot heal."

He added: "There are days when the grief feels unbearable, yet I hold tightly to the memories we shared.

"Though you are no longer here beside us, your spirits live on in our hearts every day. Love like yours never dies."

One line of inquiry being explored by police is that the women may have gone into the sea from the beach and got into difficulty.

It is understood they were first spotted at Brighton Palace Pier before drifting towards Brighton Marina.

Sussex Police said it had reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and made enquiries around the beach area to try to trace the women's last movements. It has also appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The force said the women's next of kin were being supported by specialist officers "during this incredibly difficult time".

Charlotte Coney / Getty Images Two responders in reflective gear stand on the pebble beach of Brighton looking out to sea with the Brighton pier in the background on Wednesday.Charlotte Coney / Getty Images

Sussex Police said it had reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV

Sian Berry, the MP for Brighton Pavilion, told BBC Radio Sussex she was "really proud" of how the city had reacted.

"What I've seen since this tragedy first happened is the city just really pulling together and caring deeply about what happened to these women, while knowing nothing about their story."

Resident Posy Brown, herself one of four sisters, said the women's death "feels quite close to home".

"I am pretty shocked," she told the BBC. "I can't imagine that happening to me and my family."

Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said: "To learn today that these three beautiful women were sisters makes this troubling situation even more heartbreaking."

She said her heart went out to their family and friends, adding that Brighton was "grieving too".

She previously told BBC Radio Sussex it was "the most devastating news" the city had received "for a very long time". (Pieced together from reports by BBC and LEADEERSHIP)

•PHOTO courtesy of Sussex Police shows the three sisters, seen above with their father as teenagers, died in the sea. From left to right, Jane Adetoro, Joseph, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters

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