18 September 2023 , 20:12
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The movements of a sightseeing boat in the death of two youngsters who drowned off Bournemouth beach cannot be ruled out, a coroner told an inquest today.
Sunnah Khan, 12, from High Wycombe and Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton, both drowned off Bournemouth beach on May 31. Following months of investigations, an inquest was reopened at Dorset Coroner's Court.
The hearings at Bournemouth Town Hall today heard how emergency services responded to multiple calls from the public of swimmers had "come into difficulty in the water following the suggestion they had been caught in a riptide". Senior coroner Rachael Griffin said Joe was pulled from the sea at 4.18pm but Sunnah was not found until 4.45pm.
Sunnah's death left a 'hole' that is 'impossible' to fill (PA)
17-year-old Joe Abbess died in the incident (PA)Joe was rushed to Royal Bournemouth Hospital for further medical treatment but later died. While Sunnah was transferred to Poole General Hospital where she also died after receiving medical treatment.
Sunnah and Joe's families were in attendance along with representatives of Dorset Police, RNLI, HM Coastguard and BCP Council, reports, DorsetLive. Senior coroner Rachael Griffin expressed her condolences to both families over “tragic” deaths at the hearing's opening.
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She acknowledged the “complex” investigations since their deaths several months before and wanted to focus on the cause of the riptide that dragged Joe and Sunnah and others out to the sea. The Dorset Belle boat, which was taking passengers from Bournemouth Pier at the time, will be investigated by the coroner, with particular focus on its movements.
Mrs Griffin could not rule out the boat's movements were a factor in their deaths and remarked: “Because I do not know what caused the rip current and I know the report by the police refers to possibilities and therefore it is likely I will be seeking an expert opinion on the meteorology so the weather conditions and tidal movement and then factor in the boat."
She added that it was "still too early" to rule out the possibility of the boat's movement having an impact. Dorset Police had seized the Dorset Belle but later released it and cleared the vessel of any involvement. It was also observed no further action would be taken against a man in his 40s who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) previously said no boat was involved in the incident and no full inquiry was carried after a “thorough preliminary assessment”. Mrs Griffin added she will approach the MAIB and Maritime and Coastguard Agency for further information on the investigation into the Dorset Belle.
The cause of both deaths - in an incident that saw 10 people pulled from the sea - are currently listed as drowning. Their inquests have been adjourned for a further pre-inquest hearing and a full inquest conclusion will be held in early 2024.