Three women have been found dead with their bodies recovered from the sea off Brighton in the United Kingdom (UK).

According to the police, a search started at 05:45 BST after worries about a person’s welfare in the sea were voiced. The women’s identities are unknown.

The Coast Guard has concluded its search and stated it is not searching for anyone else, though it is still unclear how the women ended up in the water.

“This is a tragic incident. We are at the very early stages of our enquiries.” Chief Supt Adam Hays said.

According to the BBC, the bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive, which runs along the beachfront.

According to Sussex Police, a sizeable cordon was erected around Black Rock Beach, and it will stay in place until at least this evening.

Sussex police and crime commissioner, Katy Bourne, has asked the public to “refrain from speculation”.

Bourne said in a post on X that her thoughts were with the friends and loved ones of the three women who died.

“We must allow police to investigate and refrain from speculation at this time,” she added.

The BBC reports that most of the emergency services had left the scene by the afternoon, with three police vans remaining, and disclosed that many people in the community expressed shock after the incident.

Jilly Francis, a regular sea-swimmer in the area, said, “I live very close by, and this is the worst I think I’ve heard of anything happening.

“Today is very rough, so I’d be surprised if they were regular swimmers. I wouldn’t swim today because it’s too rough, but I normally swim in the summer when it’s calmer.

“There can be rips or currents, but most of the time this particular bit of the beach is quite safe.”

Pam Hinchliffe, a resident who was visiting the beach, said, “It’s tragic. My understanding is it was very early in the morning, so you start thinking, ‘what could possibly have caused that?’ It’s a tragedy.”

Hays added, “Our priority right now is to identify all three women and contact their next of kin.”

“I know this incident will be highly distressing for the community, and we are working hard with our partners to understand exactly what has happened.”

Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward said it was “understandably very concerning for our community and everyone affected”.

The leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, said she was “shocked and deeply saddened.

“My heart goes out to the friends and family of these women, and on behalf of Brighton & Hove, I send sincere condolences.”

Sian Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: ‘Unbearably sad news this morning. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these three women.” (BBC)