Response to the tragic events on the seafront

Council Leader Bella Sankey has today shared a response to this week’s tragic events on the seafront.

“We are all devastated by what has happened on the seafront. For 3 young women to lose their lives off the coast of our city is harrowing and deeply distressing.

“We are thinking today of these 3 women and their loved ones who I understand have now been identified and informed by Sussex Police. On behalf of the city, I offer my sincere condolences to their family members and loved ones at this awful time.

“I want to pay tribute to all the emergency services for their swift and collaborative response, including Sussex Police, the RNLI, the Coastguard and our seafront team.

“Incidents like this take a real toll on those involved, and we are grateful for their dedication and care as they work to support those affected and understand what has happened. We will continue to support the police as they carry out their enquiries, and I would ask that everyone gives them the space they need to do this.

“As a seaside city, we know how much people value our beaches, and we take our responsibility for safety extremely seriously. Lifeguard provision, patrols and safety measures are in place, and we are reviewing other safety measures to ensure we are doing everything we can.

“While we always work to make the seafront as safe as possible, tragedies like this are a stark reminder of the challenges involved.”

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council