Three Women Confirmed Dead After Major Search Operation Off Brighton Coast

A long drone-style handheld video filmed from high ground overlooking Brighton seafront captures a major search and rescue operation unfolding over the English Channel on the morning of May 13, 2026.

The footage shows a white-and-red HM Coastguard helicopter circling low over rough seas while an orange RNLI lifeboat speeds across the water, leaving a wide white wake as both units search the area. The camera repeatedly pans and tilts as the operation continues, with rooftops, chimneys, and buildings visible in the foreground and offshore wind turbines faint on the horizon. Seagulls pass through the frame as the search continues.

The video was posted with the caption: “Large search and rescue operation currently off Brighton seafront HM Coastguard helicopter and 2 lifeboats SLifeboatRNLI RNLIBrighton 13/5/26”.

The operation began around 5:45 a.m. after concerns were raised for the welfare of three women in the sea.

The bodies of three women were later recovered from the water near the Madeira Drive and Black Rock area.

Authorities confirmed that no further searches are underway and that the sea operation has concluded. Efforts have now shifted to identifying the women and informing their next of kin.

During the response and initial investigation, the beach east of Volk’s Railway and the Black Rock car park remained closed.