Girl and boy who died in beach tragedy pictured as families pay tribute
Tributes have been paid to a 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy who died in the shocking tragedy at Bournemouth beach this week.
Sunnah Khan, from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, lost her life after she got into difficulty in the water at the Dorset resort on Wednesday afternoon.
17-year-old Joseph Abbess, from Southampton, has also been named by Dorset Police who released a heartbreaking tribute from his family.
It is understood that larger than usual waves were seen in the sea at the time, with wash from a passing boat being suggested as a potential cause.
Eight other people were rescued at the scene and treated by paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries.
A local police investigation into the circumstances of the deaths is ongoing, and on Friday the force impounded a pleasure boat known as the Dorset Belle in connection with incident.
'Major beach incident' as two children dead and man arrested
Sunnah's funeral at the Central Mosque in High Wycombe on Saturday was attended by more than 200 friends and family, with people said to have travelled from towns across the area to pay their respects.
An aerial view of the Dorset Belle at Cobb's Quay Marina in Poole (MaxWillcock/BNPS)Her close relatives and loved ones have meanwhile spoken of their sense of loss and shared their fond memories of the young teen, who they described as a talented pupil with a bright future.
One friend of the family told The Sun: “She will be missed by everyone, she was very popular and her death will leave a hole that will be impossible to fill.
“She had so much more to look forward to. She was an angel.”
A friend of Sunnah's writing on social media meanwhile called her "my little sister, my best friend, and the reason to wake up every single day".
Her cousin also paid tribute to her by saying: "You showed me what love is."
Joseph Abbess' family have spoke of their devastating loss (Police Handout)
12-year-old Sunnah Khan died on Wednesday (TikTok)Joe's family have said they are 'devastated' by his loss, adding that the trainee chef was enjoying his day at the beach before the tragic incident occurred.
They said: "We are heartbroken and devastated at the death of our Joe. He was a wonderful son and brother who is sadly missed.
“His family and friends will always love him and we are incredibly proud of the fabulous young man he was. He was kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny.
“Joe was a talented trainee chef, with a bright future ahead of him. We were privileged to have him in our lives for 17 years and we are so sorry he will never fulfil his dreams and ambitions.
“He was enjoying a day at the beach on Wednesday and we would like to thank his friends and all of the emergency services who helped him, when this tragedy unfolded."
In a statement regarding the investigation on Friday, Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan of Dorset Police said: “Our thoughts remain very much with the loved ones of the two young people at this horrendous time and we are doing all we can to support their families.
Families at Bournemouth beach watch in horror as six teens swept away by riptide
A second air ambulance takes off from the beach on May 31 (Max Willcock/BNPS)“We are continuing with our investigation, which is still at the early stages, and would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident to both protect our enquiries and out of respect for the victims’ families.
“Early investigation indicates that there was no physical contact between a vessel and any swimmers at the time of the incident and there is no suggestion of people jumping from the pier or jet skis being involved.
“We know that the beach was very busy when this incident occurred. I am urging anyone who saw what happened, or has any information that may assist our investigation, to please come forward.
He also urged "anyone with relevant phone footage that may assist our enquiries" to submit it to Dorset Police via the Major Incident Public Portal, quoting Operation Marble - and requested that people do not share it on social media.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
