Bournemouth beach: Boat operations suspended after drownings of two teenagers

Boat operations from Bournemouth Pier suspended ‘as a precaution’ pending police investigation
A police officer looks out over Bournemouth beach following the death of the two teenagers
PA Wire
Michael Howie6 June 2023

All boat operations have been suspended from Bournemouth pier following the death of two swimmers last week, the local council announced on Tuesday.

Joe Abbess, 17, and Sunnah Khan, 12, died after being caught in a suspected riptide off the beach last Wednesday.

Post-mortem tests revealed they both died of drowning, an inquest was told on Monday.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said all boat operations from Bournemouth Pier have been suspended “as a precaution”. It added the ban would remain pending the outcome of a police investigation.

A spokesman said: “All boat operations from the pier have been suspended as a precaution, pending a conclusion to the police investigation.

“We are aware the investigation is complex and will consult with Dorset Police when the investigation is complete.”

Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan died in the tragedy
Handout

Eight other swimmers were rescued in the incident but the teenagers died in hospital.

Police are investigating whether the wash from pleasure cruiser The Dorset Belle may have exacerbated the incident.

A man in his forties, who was “on the water” at the time, was released under investigation having been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

The Dorset Belle was impounded by Dorset Police after the incident.

The force has said it is continuing to investigate the circumstances involving the 49-year-old boat, which has a capacity of 80 passengers, as well as the weather and sea conditions at the time of the incident.

Police said the beach was extremely busy but neither Joe or Sunnah or anyone else pulled from the sea at the time of the incident was involved in any collision or contact with any vessel in the water.

Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan said officers were keeping an “open mind around the circumstances”.

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