Bournemouth pier suspends all boat operations after two horror beach deaths

06 June 2023 , 12:34

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Bournemouth pier suspends all boat operations after two horror beach deaths

All boat operations from Bournemouth pier have been suspended after deaths of two children in the water.

The council said the ban on boat operations would remain pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Sunnah Khan, 12, from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire and 17-year-old Joseph Abbess, from Southampton died after they got into difficulty in the water at the Dorset resort on Wednesday afternoon.

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.

'Major beach incident' as two children dead and man arrested

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.

Sunnah Khan with her mum (Stephanie Williams/Twitter)

Joe Abbess died after getting into difficulty (PA)

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.

“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.

All boat operations from Bournemouth pier have been suspended after deaths of two children in the water (PA)

“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.

A Bournemouth Christchurch Poole Council 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."

Kelly-Ann Mills