Bournemouth beach deaths – latest: Cause of deaths revealed for children who died in sea tragedy

The two youngsters who died in the Bournemouth beach tragedy drowned, an opening inquest has heard.

Sunnah Khan, 12, described by a family friend as an “angel” and Joe Abbess, 17, died last week after getting into difficulty in the sea off the pier.

Earlier, Sunnah’s mother Stephanie Williams said she was still in the dark about what happened during the incident and had not been given any information beyond what Dorset Police said at a news conference following the deaths.

“It’s just really difficult to accept,” she told The Sun. “Somebody has potentially caused Sunnah to be taken away from us. Ms Williams added the cause of her daughter’s death was “drowning” but there were “no other injuries”.

Dorset Police initially said the deceased has sustained “critical injuries”. Joe, from Southampton, was identified as the other victim.

His family said they were “heartbroken and devastated” at the loss of a “fabulous young man” and “talented trainee chef” who was enjoying a day at Bournemouth beach when he died on Wednesday.

A 40-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident has been released under investigation.

Key points

• Two victims drowned, inquest hears

• Mother of ‘angel’ who drowned still in dark over what happened

• Teenagers hailed as heroes after risking lives to save drowning man on day of tragedy

• Family of girl who died in Bournemouth beach tragedy say death left ‘hole in our hearts’

• Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor says daughter taken out by ‘rip tide'

• Police search pleasure boat as part of investigation

• Two children who died in sea tragedy ‘not related', police say

Breaking: Youngsters died of ‘drowning’, inquest hears

Monday 5 June 2023 11:24 , Matt Mathers

Joe Abbess, 17, and Sunnah Khan, 12, died of drowning following "suggestions" they got caught in a riptide off Bournemouth beach, an inquest opening at Bournemouth has heard.

ICYMI: Lack of police clarity on Bournemouth deaths caused ‘wild speculation’ – MP

11:53 , William Mata

A local MP has criticised Dorset Police for failing to properly communicate with the public about the circumstances that led to the death of two youngsters who got into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach.

Joe Abbess, a 17-year-old boy from Southampton, and Sunnah Khan, a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire, were rescued from the sea during the incident on Wednesday, but both died later in hospital.

An inquest into both deaths is anticipated to be opened on Monday subject to confirmation by HM Coroner.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood expressed concern about a lack of clarity from local officers about the incident, which he said had led to “wild speculation on social media”.

Read the full article here.

‘Devastated’ friends and teachers pay tribute to trainee chef who died in sea

11:25 , William Mata

“Devastated” friends and teachers of a 17-year-old trainee chef who died in the Bournemouth beach tragedy said he was “an exceptional student”.

Joe Abbess, who was studying at City College Southampton, drowned along with 12-year-old Sunnah Khan in the Dorset seaside resort on May 31.

Stephanie Williams, the schoolgirl’s mother, has posted on social media, describing her “beautiful” daughter as “so well loved and well liked”.

An inquest into the death of the two youngsters opened at Bournemouth on Monday and heard they were part of a group of people thought to have been caught up in a riptide in the sea near to the pier.

Read Ben Mitchell’s full story here

Beachgoers shocked at tragedy

10:49 , William Mata

Families arriving at the beach on Thursday spoke of their shock at the previous day’s events.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s such a shame, people just come here to have fun, it’s a real tragedy.”

Mourners were seen placing a bunch of flowers on the beach close to the pier early on Thursday morning.

Read Matt Mathers’ full story here.

Council to assess safety of sea near pier

10:13 , William Mata

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council leader Vikki Slade said the authority is working with the emergency services and will be assessing safety in the water near the pier.

“There are specific rules relating to the buoys in the water but there is no evidence that any of these rules have been breached,” she said.

Tobias Ellwood, the MP for East Bournemouth and chair of the Commons defence committee, told Sky News that the pier was “involved” in the tragedy.

The local council will review its protocols in relation to what can be conducted on the pier, he added.

Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said the incident is a “salutary lesson” that “danger is ever present” on beaches and the ocean.

Witnesses see beachgoers filming aid effort

09:54 , William Mata

People on the beach said they witnesses other beachgoers filming paramedics delivering CPR to people involved in the incident.

Nicola Holton, who was at the beach with her husband, said she witnessed lifeguards entering the sea trying to help “multiple people” who were struggling in the water.

“[There were] loads of idiots ignoring lifeguard requests to get out of the water and clear the beach,” she said.

“People were running towards those having CPR filming on their phones.”

A doctor who said he was involved in the resuscitation attempt on the young girl praised the work of the beach lifeguards and also hit out at those filming the incident.

“Those videoing the desperate CPR attempts should think long and hard at their actions, the tragic death of a child is not something anyone should voyeuristically observe”, he told MailOnline.

What else have the police said?

09:45 , William Mata

At a press conference on Thursday, Dorset Police dismissed reports that the deceased had jumped from the pier or had been hit by a jet ski.

Rachel Farrell, assistant chief constable, confirmed that none of the swimmers had been in “physical contact” with any vessel.

She said that a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and the force was investigating what “caused that to happen”.

“As we have a person in custody, you will know there is only limited information I can give about the investigation,” Ms Farrell said.

“However, to avoid further speculation, I am able to tell you that it’s clear that yesterday a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and we are investigating the circumstances or event that caused that to happen.

Ms Farrell added that the two who died were not related to each other and those involved were “different people from different families” who were assisted by “great-spirited members of the public”.

She added: “We are all truly devastated that two young people have lost their lives.

What we know about the area

09:27 , William Mata

Matt Mathers has produced this guide to the area where the tragedy struck:

Jet skis and other watercraft operating in the Bournemouth and Poole areas must follow specific rules between April and October.

Bournemouth, a popular seaside town on England’s south coast, is popular with locals and tourists during the summer months.

Average temperatures in and around the pier area of the sea are 12.4C for the month of June and can exceed 16 in September, according to the surf-forecast website.

The website says the area tends to receive a mix of “groundswells” and “windswells”, with surfers warned to “watch out for rips and crowds”.

Bournemouth Pier, like all outcrops in the ocean such as groins, headlands or sandbars, presents danger for swimmers due to riptides, or rip currents.

What is a sandbar?

09:20 , William Mata

The boy and girl who died in Bournemouth were said to be playing on a sandbar before they were swept out to sea.

Inquests opened on Monday into the deaths of Sunnah Khan, 12, and Joe Abbess, 17.

A sandbar is a ridge of sand built up by currents and are found next to oceans or rivers. It is a natural phenomenon and sometimes known as a shoal. It can sometimes separate a smaller body of water from a sea.

Sandbars are usually long and narrow but can span a considerable range in size.

A Dorset Police source told the Sun: “They were on a sandbar to the east of the pier when the Dorset Belle came moored alongside the pier. It created a riptide which deluged everyone on the sandbar and effectively forced them further out to sea.”

Seventeen-year-old who died was 'fabulous young man’

09:07 , William Mata

The 17-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach this week has been described by his family as a “fabulous young man”.

Joe Abbess, from Southampton, was “kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny”, according to a family statement issued by Dorset Police.

Read Catherine Wylie’s full story here.

What is a rip tide?

08:57 , William Mata

Swimmers could have been “caught up in a riptide” during the tragic events in Bournemouth, an inquest has found.

Rip tides are strong currents which can drag people and objects from shallow water into deeper parts.

A statement from the RNLI reads: “Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface.

“Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.”

Boy who drowned ‘bright future ahead of him'

Monday 5 June 2023 23:18 , Sam Rkaina

Joe Abbess’s family paid tribute in a statement saying: “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.”

School pays tribute to 12 year-old victim

Monday 5 June 2023 22:20 , Sam Rkaina

A spokesperson for Bourne End Academy said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that one of our students, Sunnah Khan, died during the half-term break.

“As a student, Sunnah grew in confidence over her first 10 months at Bourne End. She developed a bold and happy personality which resonated throughout the school community.

“Her energetic character and fierce sense of loyalty meant that she had built strong and positive relationships with her peers and teachers. She will be enormously missed.”

“Our deepest condolences are with the family and their friends during this difficult time and in due course we will share details of a fitting memorial for Sunnah.”

MP critical of police handling of incident aftermath

Monday 5 June 2023 21:25 , Sam Rkaina

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood has expressed concern about a lack of clarity from local police officers about the incident, which he said had led to “wild speculation on social media”.

“We do need to understand, learn lessons from this, provide clarity early on, just so people can have an assurance of mind as to what roughly happened,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

The Bournemouth East MP said: “Certainly anybody would not want to impede or prejudice the investigation.

“But if the absence of any comprehensive statement becomes standard, I can see who, speaking on a wider picture and security level, those who wish us harm could leverage the void by misleading messaging.”

But David Sidwick, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Dorset, defended the police’s handling of the “complex” case.

Dorset Police have said that the beach was extremely busy but that neither of the deceased young people 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.

Warning for swimmers following double tragedy

Monday 5 June 2023 20:56 , Sam Rkaina

The coroner also urged swimmers to take care in the water following the double tragedy.

“I wish to take this opportunity to remind all those who enter the sea or open water to be aware of the powers of the water and the risks of swimming in open water.

“It’s important they are aware of how to respond when problems arise and urge people to follow guidance from public agencies such as the RNLI.”

Ms Griffin adjourned the hearing until a pre-inquest review to be held on September 18.

Neither of the families of the two deceased were present at the short hearing.

Coronor warns against speculation

Monday 5 June 2023 19:30 , Sam Rkaina

Rachael Griffin, senior coroner for Dorset, said: “I understand there is an ongoing police investigation, despite that, I have already submitted the appropriate paperwork and released both Joe’s and Sunnah’s bodies for the purposes of their funerals.

“In relation to that ongoing police investigation, I am unable to make any progress in my inquiries.

“It’s very important people do not speculate on the circumstances surrounding Joe and Sunnah’s deaths and allow the police investigation to proceed, which will allow my investigation to proceed.

“I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to Joe and Sunnah’s families, my thoughts are very much with them at this difficult time following this tragedy.

“My thoughts are also with those who attended or witnessed the traumatic events.”

Inquest told of riptide ‘suggestion'

Monday 5 June 2023 18:36 , Sam Rkaina

An inquest has heard that two youngsters died from drowning after a “suggestion” that they got into difficulty by getting caught in a riptide in the sea off Bournemouth beach.

Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton, and Sunnah Khan, 12, from Buckinghamshire, were rescued from the sea during the incident on Wednesday, but both died in hospital.

In a hearing to open the inquest proceedings at Bournemouth Town Hall on Monday, Dorset coroner’s officer Nicola Muller said that post mortem examinations carried out by Home Office pathologist Basil Purdue showed the cause of their deaths was drowning.

She said that Joe, a trainee chef, was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where he was pronounced dead, and Sunnah was taken to Poole General Hospital.

She said that Joe was identified by Detective Constable Hannah Webster by a photograph provided by his family, and Sunnah was identified by her father at the hospital.

Describing the incident, Ms Muller said: “The brief circumstances are that emergency services were contacted by members of the public following swimmers had come into difficulty in the water, following suggestion they had been caught in a riptide.”

ICYMI: Bournemouth beach victim, 17, was talented young chef

Monday 5 June 2023 16:10 , Matt Mathers

A 17-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach this week has been described by his family as a “fabulous young man” and “a wonderful son and brother”.

Joe Abbess, from Southampton, was “kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny”, they said.

Jane Dalton reports:

Bournemouth beach victim, 17, was talented young chef, say ‘heartbroken’ family

Members of the public offer condolences to family of victims

Monday 5 June 2023 15:40 , Matt Mathers

Members of the public continue paying tribute to the two youngsters who drowned in the Bournemouth beach tragedy.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” one person wrote on Twitter. “I’ve lived here for 38 years-Our beaches are packed every year without incident. This must never happen again!

Another said: “So sorry. We often go to Bournemouth beach,” another wrote. “I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing. Sincere condolences”.

School pays tribute to ‘happy’ and ‘energetic’ former pupil

Monday 5 June 2023 15:00 , Matt Mathers

Bourne End Academy has paid tribute to its “happy” and “energetic” former pupil Sunnah Khan, one of two youngsters who died in the Bournemouth beach tragedy.

"It is with great sadness that we can confirm that one of our students, Sunnah Khan, died during the half-term break,” a spokesperson for the co-educational secondary school in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, said.

"As a student, Sunnah grew in confidence over her first 10 months at Bourne End. She developed a bold and happy personality which resonated throughout the school community.”

The spokesperson added: "Her energetic character and fierce sense of loyalty meant that she had built strong and positive relationships with her peers and teachers. She will be enormously missed.

"Our deepest condolences are with the family and their friends during this difficult time and in due course we will share details of a fitting memorial for Sunnah."

Detectives keeping an ‘open mind’ about what caused drowning deaths

Monday 5 June 2023 13:54 , Matt Mathers

Dorset Police is keeping an “open mind” as to what caused two youngsters to drown in the sea off Bournemouth Pier, a detective has said.

Neil Corrigan, detective chief superintendent, said investigations are looking into the “state of the water” when 10 people got into difficulty.

"Our thoughts remain with the families of those young people,” he said,

"As with any investigation of this nature, we have to look at all factors connected to the state of the water.”

Mr Corrigan added: "One of those lines of inquiry has involved the pleasure boat, which was in the area at the time of the incident. These inquiries also include examining wind, other weather and general coastal conditions at the time.

"We are working with experts from partner agencies to understand all of the factors and this will take time to establish."

ICYMI: ‘Hero’ teenagers rushed into water to help save swimmers at Bournemouth beach

Monday 5 June 2023 13:30 , Matt Mathers

Two teenagers have been hailed heroes after they helped bring a man struggling in the water off Bournemouth Pier to safety on the day two children died in the sea.

Iona Hunter, 14, and Kaiden Andre, 15, were swimming in water at Bournemouth beach on the day of a tragic incident, which led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl from High Wycombe - identified on social media as Sunnah Khan - and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton.

Full report:

‘Hero’ teenagers rushed into water to help save swimmers at Bournemouth beach

Coroner offers condolences to family of victims

Monday 5 June 2023 13:10 , Matt Mathers

Rachael Griffin, senior coroner for Dorset, said: "I understand there is an ongoing police investigation, despite that, I have already submitted the appropriate paperwork and released both Joe’s and Sunnah’s bodies for the purposes of their funerals.

"In relation to that ongoing police investigation, I am unable to make any progress in my inquiries.

"It’s very important people do not speculate on the circumstances surrounding Joe and Sunnah’s deaths and allow the police investigation to proceed, which will allow my investigation to proceed.

"I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to Joe and Sunnah’s families, my thoughts are very much with them at this difficult time following this tragedy.

"My thoughts are also with those who attended or witnessed the traumatic events."

She added: "It’s important they are aware of how to respond when problems arise and urge people to follow guidance from public agencies such as the RNLI."

Ms Griffin adjourned the hearing until a pre-inquest review to be held on September 18.

Victims identified at hospitals by their parents

Monday 5 June 2023 12:37 , Matt Mathers

In a hearing to open the inquest proceedings at Bournemouth Town Hall, Dorset coroner’s officer Nicola Muller said that post mortem examinations carried out by Home Office pathologist Basil Purdue showed the cause of their deaths was drowning.

She said that Joe, a trainee chef, was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where he was pronounced dead, and Sunnah was taken to Poole General Hospital.

She said that Joe was identified by Detective Constable Hannah Webster by a photograph provided by his family, and Sunnah was identified by her father at the hospital.

‘Angel’ schoolgirl who died at Bournemouth beach ‘was chest-deep when she was pulled under water’

Monday 5 June 2023 11:15 , Matt Mathers

The 12-year-old girl who died in the Bournemouth beach tragedy was chest-deep in the sea when she was pulled underwater, it has been reported.

Sunnah Khan, 12, from High Wycombe, was standing chest-deep in the sea before the incident unfolded beside Bournemouth Pier, according to The Sun.

A 17-year-old trainee chef from Southampton, Joe Abbess, also died after a struggle in the water.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain reports:

Schoolgirl who died in Bournemouth ‘was chest-deep when she was pulled under water’

Dorset Police defends handling of ‘complex’ case

Monday 5 June 2023 10:50 , Matt Mathers

A top policing official has defended Dorset Police’s handling of the Bournemouth beach tragedy, saying it is a“complex” case.

David Sidwick, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Dorset, pushed back against allegations that the force had not provided enough clarity about what happened.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that while there would be a review of police communication “at the end of all this”, officers were dealing with a “complex” case and cooperating with other agencies.

He added: “This is a complex investigation. It includes a number of agencies including the coroner’s office, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Dorset police.

“They are working together as fast as they can to find out what happened on that day. And I truly believe that they need to be given the time and space to do that fully, thoroughly, professionally and without hindrance.

“At this moment in time, we have to understand that this is an immensely complex situation. The police moved to rule out those things which they could rule out when they had enough evidence to be able to do that.

“What they can’t do is say what exactly happened and they shouldn’t because the veracity of any statement made by those investigating this incident must be beyond reproach.

“And not just for any legal situation, but also because it is, to remind everyone – the victims and their families’ needs are paramount.”

Lack of clarity from police fuelling ‘wild speculation online’ - MP

Monday 5 June 2023 10:35 , Matt Mathers

A lack of clarity from police investigating what happened in the Bournemouth tragedy is fuelling "wild speculation” on social media, a senior MP has said.

Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth East and chair of the Commons defence committee, suggested the void could be filled with “misleading messaging” by those “who wish us harm”.

Police are keeping an “open mind” about the circumstances that led to the death of two youngsters who got into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme earlier, Mr Ellwood said: “Certainly anybody would not want to impede or prejudice the investigation.

“But if the absence of any comprehensive statement becomes standard, I can see who, speaking on a wider picture and security level… those who wish us harm could leverage the void by misleading messaging.

“We do need to understand, learn lessons from this, provide clarity early on – just so people can have an assurance of mind as to what roughly happened, and then make their own assessments as to whether it’s safe to go or whether they should move away.”

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Monday 5 June 2023 10:15 , Matt Mathers

Bournemouth Pier, like all outcrops in the ocean such as groins, headlands or sandbars, presents danger for swimmers due to riptides, or rip currents.

Rips, as they are commonly known, are strong currents that occur when water that has been pushed towards land by the sea, is tracking back out, creating a channel of water which pulls back out to sea.

Full report:

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

ICYMI: Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours

Monday 5 June 2023 09:39 , Matt Mathers

The father of one of the survivors of the Bournemouth beach tragedy has addressed the rumours surrounding the mystery events that led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, as police search a pleasure boat as part of their investigation.

Survivor Lauren Tate, 18, one of eight others who were injured, was treated in hospital and is now continuing to recover at home, after a rip tide took her and her friends out to sea when they were swimming by the pier, according to her father.

Tara Cobham reports:

Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours

Victim’s mother still in the dark over what happened

Monday 5 June 2023 07:49 , Matt Mathers

The mother of a girl who died in the Bournemouth beach tragedy has said she is still in the dark about what happened during the incident.

Sunnah Khan, 12 and Joe Abbess, 17, died last week after getting into difficulty in the sea off the pier.

Her mother, Stephanie Williams, 32, said she has not been given any information beyond what Dorset Police said at a news conference following the deaths.

“It’s just really difficult to accept,” she told The Sun. "Somebody has potentially caused Sunnah to be taken away from us.

Ms Williams added the cause of her daughter’s death was drowning but there were “no other injuries”.

Recap: everything we know so far about the beach deaths

Monday 5 June 2023 07:31 , Matt Mathers

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been launched by Dorset Police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Here is everything we know so far:

What happened at Bournemouth pier?

ICYMI: Bournemouth beach victim, 17, was talented young chef

Monday 5 June 2023 07:28 , Matt Mathers

A 17-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach this week has been described by his family as a “fabulous young man” and “a wonderful son and brother”.

Joe Abbess, from Southampton, was “kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny”, they said.

Jane Dalton reports:

Bournemouth beach victim, 17, was talented young chef, say ‘heartbroken’ family

Monday 5 June 2023 07:28 , Matt Mathers

Good morning and welcome to the Independent’s coverage of the Bournemouth beach tragedy.

Two youngsters died last week after getting into difficulty in the sea off the pier.

It remains unclear how the victims, who sustained “critical injuries”, died. We’ll bring you updates on this story as they come in.

Blog closed

Sunday 4 June 2023 21:23 , Joe Middleton

The blog is closed for today.

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Sunday 4 June 2023 19:32 , Joe Middleton

Bournemouth has been rocked by the tragic deaths of two children who got into trouble in the sea as thousands of half-term holidaymakers descended on the popular beach.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

Police are still establishing what happened during the incident, but a father of one of the beach tragedy survivors has claimed his 18-year-old daughter - who spent a short time in hospital after the incident - was taken out by a “riptide”.

It comes after police dismissed speculation that the victims had jumped off the pier or were hit by a vessel on the water.

Here we look at what a riptide is and what to do if you get caught in one:

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Bournemouth: Witness describes 'panic' on beach after tragic incident

Sunday 4 June 2023 18:19 , Joe Middleton

Family’s full tribute to ‘wonderful son and brother'

Sunday 4 June 2023 17:45 , Joe Middleton

In a statement provided to Dorset Police, the family of Joe Abbess, 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.”

Boy, 17, who died in Bournemouth beach tragedy identified by police

Sunday 4 June 2023 17:17 , Joe Middleton

A 17-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach this week has been described by his family as a “fabulous young man” and “a wonderful son and brother”.

Joe Abbess, from Southampton, was “kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny”, according to a family statement issued by Dorset Police.

A 12-year-old girl, named in reports as Sunnah Khan, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, died at the same time.

Jane Dalton reports.

Boy, 17, who died in Bournemouth beach tragedy identified by police

Everything we know about impounded sightseeing boat after Bournemouth beach deaths

Sunday 4 June 2023 15:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A sightseeing boat has been impounded by police after two children died in a tragic sea incident in Bournemouth this week.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near the Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

A day after the incident, forensic officers were seen onboard the sightseeing boat, the Dorset Belle, at Cobb’s Quay, Poole Harbour.

Everything we know about the Bournemouth beach deaths

A packed beach, a fight and a single bunch of flowers: Mystery Bournemouth deaths fail to deter tourists

Sunday 4 June 2023 14:46 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

Mystery still surrounds the events that saw a 17 year-old-boy and a 12 year-girl lose their lives - but Bournemouth beach was as busy as ever. Tara Cobham reports

A beach and a bunch of flowers: Busy Bournemouth welcomes tourists day after deaths

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Sunday 4 June 2023 13:42 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Bournemouth has been rocked by the tragic deaths of two children who got into trouble in the sea as thousands of half-term holidaymakers descended on the popular beach.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

Police are still establishing what happened during the incident, but a father of one of the beach tragedy survivors has claimed his 18-year-old daughter - who spent a short time in hospital after the incident - was taken out by a “riptide”.

It comes after police dismissed speculation that the victims had jumped off the pier or were hit by a vessel on the water.

Here we look at what a riptide is and what to do if you get caught in one:

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Everything we know about the area surrounding the Bournemouth beach deaths

Sunday 4 June 2023 13:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Jet skis and other watercraft operating in the Bournemouth and Poole areas must follow specific rules between April and October.

Bournemouth, a popular seaside town on England’s south coast, is popular with locals and tourists during the summer months.

Average temperatures in and around the pier area of the sea are 12.4C for the month of June and can exceed 16 in September, according to the surf-forecast website.

The website says the area tends to receive a mix of “groundswells” and “windswells”, with surfers warned to “watch out for rips and crowds.

Everything we know about the Bournemouth beach deaths

Bournemouth pleasure boat seized by police returned to pier twice as beach tragedy unfolded

Sunday 4 June 2023 12:23 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A boat seized by police in Bournemouth returned twice to the pier during the tragic incident that led to the death of two children on Wednesday, marine traffic data shows.

The 49-year-old sea-going passenger boat, Dorset Belle, was impounded by officers on Thursday and was the subject of further searches on Friday as it remained at the Cobb’s Quay, Poole Harbour, guarded by a police van.

It comes as Dorset police are continuing investigations into the vessel and any role it may have had in the incident that led to the deaths of a girl, 12, from High Wycombe and a boy, 17, from Southampton.

A man in his 40s who was “on the water” at the time was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He was released under investigation on Thursday.

Bournemouth pleasure boat seized by police returned to pier twice as tragedy unfolded

Dorset Police dismiss reports of jumping off pier or jet skis involved in incident

Sunday 4 June 2023 11:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

At a press conference on Thursday, Dorset Police dismissed reports that the deceased had jumped from the pier or had been hit by a jet ski.

Rachel Farrell, assistant chief constable, confirmed that none of the swimmers had been in “physical contact” with any vessel.

She said that a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and the force was investigating what “caused that to happen”.

“As we have a person in custody, you will know there is only limited information I can give about the investigation,” Ms Farrell said.

“However, to avoid further speculation, I am able to tell you that it’s clear that yesterday a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and we are investigating the circumstances or event that caused that to happen.

Ms Farrell added that the two who died were not related to each other and those involved were “different people from different families” who were assisted by “great-spirited members of the public”.

‘Hero’ teenagers rushed into water to help save swimmers at Bournemouth beach

Sunday 4 June 2023 10:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Two teenagers have been hailed heroes after they helped bring a man struggling in the water off Bournemouth Pier to safety on the day two children died in the sea.

Iona Hunter, 14 and Kaiden Andre, 15, were swimming in water at Bournemouth beach on the day of a tragic incident, which led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl from High Wycombe - identified on social media as Sunnah Khan - and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton.

Eight others were treated by paramedics after being rescued from the sea. The father of one of the survivors previously addressed rumours of what happened during the tragedy, saying his daughter was caught in a rip tide.

Amid the chaotic scenes on the south coast beach, Basingstoke teenagers Iona and Kaiden along with their group of friends have been praised for helping a man who was struggling in the water.

A young boy was first helped out of the sea by their friend Max, when Iona and Kaiden realised others were in trouble.

‘Hero’ teenagers rushed into water to help save swimmers at Bournemouth beach

Family of girl who died in Bournemouth beach tragedy say death left ‘hole in our hearts’

Sunday 4 June 2023 09:43 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The family of a 12-year-old girl who died in a tragic incident on Bournemouth beach has said her death left “a hole in all of our hearts”.

The girl, identified as Sunnah on social media, and a 17-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty in the water next to Bournemouth Pier.

Eight others were pulled from the water on Wednesday but did not suffer serious injuries.

Police arrested a man in his forties who was “on the water” at the time on suspicion of manslaughter, but he has since been released under investigation.

A relative of the 12-year-old, who lived in High Wycombe, has now paid tribute, saying the family will remember her “every day for the rest of our lives”.

Family of girl who died in Bournemouth tragedy say death left ‘hole in our hearts’

Everything we know about the Bournemouth beach deaths

Sunday 4 June 2023 08:58 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Tragedy struck a packed Bournemouth beach yesterday as two youngsters died after being pulled from the sea.

Eight other people were recovered from the water after getting into difficulty off the main pier as thousands of beachgoers enjoyed the sunny half-term weather.

They were treated by paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been launched by Dorset Police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Dorset Police said the two deceased - a 17-year-old boy from Southampton and a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire - sustained “critical injuries”.

Everything we know about the Bournemouth beach deaths

Teenagers hailed as heroes after risking lives to save drowning man on day of tragedy

Sunday 4 June 2023 08:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Two teenagers have been hailed heroes after they helped bring a man struggling in the water off Bournemouth pier to safety.

The teenagers were swimming in water at Bournemouth beach on the day of a tragic incident which saw a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy die, and eight others pulled from the sea with injuries.

Iona Hunter, 14, and Kaiden Andre, 15, said they swam out to help a young man and young woman.

“The man was struggling, so me and Kaiden both put his weight on our shoulders to help keep him afloat,” The Times quotes Ioana as saying.

“I wasn’t really feeling anything at that point — I was just thinking about trying to get him back to shore. He was heavy . . . he had inhaled lots of water.”

The 14-year-old estimated that a lifeguard swam out to them around 15 minutes after she raised her hand to get their attention.

Everything we know about impounded sightseeing boat after Bournemouth beach deaths

Saturday 3 June 2023 21:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A sightseeing boat has been impounded by police after two children died in a tragic sea incident in Bournemouth this week.

A day after the incident, forensic officers were seen onboard the sightseeing boat, the Dorset Belle, at Cobb’s Quay, Poole Harbour.

Here’s everything we know:

Everything we know about impounded boat after Bournemouth beach deaths

Dorset Police dismiss reports of jumping off pier or jet skis involved in incident

Saturday 3 June 2023 20:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

At a press conference on Thursday, Dorset Police dismissed reports that the deceased had jumped from the pier or had been hit by a jet ski.

Rachel Farrell, assistant chief constable, confirmed that none of the swimmers had been in “physical contact” with any vessel.

She said that a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and the force was investigating what “caused that to happen”.

“As we have a person in custody, you will know there is only limited information I can give about the investigation,” Ms Farrell said.

“However, to avoid further speculation, I am able to tell you that it’s clear that yesterday a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and we are investigating the circumstances or event that caused that to happen.

Ms Farrell added that the two who died were not related to each other and those involved were “different people from different families” who were assisted by “great-spirited members of the public”.

Watch: Witness describes 'panic' on beach after tragic incident

Saturday 3 June 2023 19:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Saturday 3 June 2023 18:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Bournemouth has been rocked by the tragic deaths of two children who got into trouble in the sea as thousands of half-term holidaymakers descended on the popular beach.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

Police are still establishing what happened during the incident, but a father of one of the beach tragedy survivors has claimed his 18-year-old daughter - who spent a short time in hospital after the incident - was taken out by a “riptide”.

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

Saturday 3 June 2023 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Here’s everything we know so far after a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton died in a tragic incident.

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about pier tragedy

Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

Saturday 3 June 2023 16:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The father of one of the survivors of the Bournemouth beach tragedy has addressed the rumours surrounding the mystery events that led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, as police search a pleasure boat as part of their investigation.

Survivor Lauren Tate, 18, one of eight others who were injured, was treated in hospital and is now continuing to recover at home, after a rip tide took her and her friends out to sea when they were swimming by the pier, according to her father.

In response to the intense speculation that has surrounded the incident, her father told MailOnline: “We’ve seen all the stuff about boats and jet skis but it wasn’t like that. She was swimming in the sea with her friends when the rip tide took them out.

“She was lucky to get pulled from the sea by the coastguard and one of her other friends was rescued by a paddleboarder.

“I know the boy who died was at college with her, but I don’t know anything about him. All she told me is that they all met up on the train and headed to Bournemouth beach for the day.”

Bournemouth tragedy survivor’s father addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

Teenager hailed a ‘hero’ for helping struggling swimmers to shore on Bournemouth beach

Saturday 3 June 2023 15:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A 15-year-old from Basingstone has been called a “hero” after he helped people struggling in choppy waters on Bournemouth beach.

Kaiden Andre, 15, was swimming in the water with his friend Ioana near Bournemouth pier when he heard the shouts of a man.

His mum, Jody, told the Daily Echo: “He was kicking and flapping but Kaiden managed to keep his head above water. Then Iona began having some trouble and so he did the same with her.

“Kaiden said to me he has never known the sea to be that choppy. There was no jumping off the pier, no speeding boats, he just saw this young guy in trouble and went to help.”

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Saturday 3 June 2023 14:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Police are still establishing what happened during the incident, but a father of one of the beach tragedy survivors has claimed his 18-year-old daughter - who spent a short time in hospital after the incident - was taken out by a “riptide”.

It comes after police dismissed speculation that the victims had jumped off the pier or were hit by a vessel on the water.

Here we look at what a riptide is and what to do if you get caught in one:

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about the area

Saturday 3 June 2023 13:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Jet skis and other watercraft operating in the Bournemouth and Poole areas must follow specific rules between April and October.

Bournemouth, a popular seaside town on England’s south coast, is popular with locals and tourists during the summer months.

Average temperatures in and around the pier area of the sea are 12.4C for the month of June and can exceed 16 in September, according to the surf-forecast website.

The website says the area tends to receive a mix of “groundswells” and “windswells”, with surfers warned to “watch out for rips and crowds.”

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours

Saturday 3 June 2023 13:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The father of one of the survivors of the Bournemouth beach tragedy has addressed the rumours surrounding the mystery events that led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, as police search a pleasure boat as part of their investigation.

Survivor Lauren Tate, 18, one of eight others who were injured, was treated in hospital and is now continuing to recover at home, after a rip tide took her and her friends out to sea when they were swimming by the pier, according to her father.

In response to the intense speculation that has surrounded the incident, her father told MailOnline: “We’ve seen all the stuff about boats and jet skis but it wasn’t like that. She was swimming in the sea with her friends when the rip tide took them out.

“She was lucky to get pulled from the sea by the coastguard and one of her other friends was rescued by a paddleboarder.”

Read on here:

Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours

Family of girl who died in Bournemouth beach tragedy say death left ‘hole in our hearts’

Saturday 3 June 2023 12:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The family of a 12-year-old girl who died in a tragic incident on Bournemouth beach has said her death left “a hole in all of our hearts”.

The girl, identified as Sunnah on social media, and a 17-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty in the water next to Bournemouth Pier.

Eight others were pulled from the water on Wednesday but did not suffer serious injuries.

Police arrested a man in his 40s who was “on the water” at the time on suspicion of manslaughter, but he has since been released under investigation.

A relative of the 12-year-old, who lived in High Wycombe, has now paid tribute, saying the family will remember her “every day for the rest of our lives”.

“She was an absolute force of nature, liked by all and loved by so many,” The Times quotes a family member as saying. “She will be so sorely missed by her parents, siblings and friends.

“There are no words to describe the hole she has left in all of our hearts but we will remember her every day for the rest of our lives.”

Family of girl who died in Bournemouth tragedy say death left ‘hole in our hearts’

Family and friends pay tribute to 12-year-old girl who died in Bournemouth sea tragedy

Saturday 3 June 2023 10:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Tributes have also flooded in on social media for the 12-year-old girl who passed away on Wednesday afternoon in Bournemouth.

The girl, identified as Sunnah on social media, died after getting into difficulty in the water next to Bournemouth Pier.

One friend wrote online: “She was such an amazing person. She was so kind caring, her smile lit up a room. It was far too early for our angel to gain wings.”

Another said: “She was basically my sister and I can’t believe it. Love you so much Sunnah.”

A relative of the 12-year-old, who lived in High Wycombe, has also paid tribute, saying the family will remember her “every day for the rest of our lives”.

“She was an absolute force of nature, liked by all and loved by so many,” The Times quotes a family member as saying. “She will be so sorely missed by her parents, siblings and friends.

“There are no words to describe the hole she has left in all of our hearts but we will remember her every day for the rest of our lives.”

Tory MP says Dorset Police should provide more information

Saturday 3 June 2023 10:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, said he believed Dorset Police should provide more information to avoid “wild speculation”.

He said: “There needs to be a review, the police are conducting their investigation, there needs to be a review of the circumstances to see whether any safety measures and protocols need to be upgraded to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future.

“I encourage Dorset Police to clarify the general circumstances of this tragic accident to avoid further wild speculation and uncertainty for parents who may be cautious about going to any part of the beach, unclear of exactly what happened in this terrible incident.”

The vessel’s website states that it was purpose-built as a passenger boat to operate locally and could “cope with the occasional challenging swell conditions encountered at local piers”.

Watch: Witness describes ‘panic’ on beach after tragic incident

Saturday 3 June 2023 09:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Bournemouth beach tragedy ‘like scene from horror film’ as child’s body ‘floated in water’

Saturday 3 June 2023 08:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

Eyewitnesses described a tragedy on Bournemouth beach that left two children dead as “like a horror movie”.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy suffered “critical” injuries in a fatal incident that occurred next to Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday afternoon.

Nicola Holton, 43, and Stuart Clark, 42, were on the beach with their two children when the tragedy unfolded shortly after 4pm yesterday. They said the scene turned into something from “a horror film.”

Ms Holton said: “A lifeguard ran into the water with a surfboard and it seemed to take ages for him to get to them. There was an announcement to get out of the water and then the lifeguards started bringing people back to shore.

“A few were taken to the lifeguard tent and then we saw the young man and girl brought out. We were packing up our things to leave as quickly as we could. It was just awful.”

Bournemouth beach tragedy ‘like scene from horror film’ as body ‘floating in water’

ICYMI: Bournemouth MP calls for police to end speculations

Saturday 3 June 2023 06:37 , Vishwam Sankaran

Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, called for Dorset police to end “wild speculation” around the tragic incident that led to the death of a 12-year old and a 17-year-old at the beach.

“I encourage Dorset police to clarify the general circumstances of this tragic accident to avoid further wild speculation and uncertainty for parents who may be cautious about going to any part of the beach, unclear of exactly what happened in this terrible incident,” Mr Ellwood told PA.

“There needs to be a review of the circumstances to see whether any safety measures and protocols need to be upgraded to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future,” he said.

Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

Saturday 3 June 2023 06:00 , Joe Middleton

The father of one of the survivors of the Bournemouth beach tragedy has addressed the rumours surrounding the mystery events that led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, as police search a pleasure boat as part of their investigation.

Survivor Lauren Tate, 18, one of eight others who were injured, was treated in hospital and is now continuing to recover at home, after a rip tide took her and her friends out to sea when they were swimming by the pier, according to her father.

In response to the intense speculation that has surrounded the incident, her father told MailOnline: “We’ve seen all the stuff about boats and jet skis but it wasn’t like that. She was swimming in the sea with her friends when the rip tide took them out.

Bournemouth tragedy survivor’s father addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

Saturday 3 June 2023 05:00 , Joe Middleton

Tragedy struck a packed Bournemouth beach yesterday as two youngsters died after being pulled from the sea.

Eight other people were recovered from the water after getting into difficulty off the main pier as thousands of beachgoers enjoyed the sunny half-term weather.

They were treated by paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been launched by Dorset Police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

Police say there was 'no physical contact' between vessel and swimmers at Bournemouth beach

Saturday 3 June 2023 04:00 , Joe Middleton

MP calls for safety review following Bournemouth beach deaths

Saturday 3 June 2023 03:00 , Joe Middleton

A Bournemouth MP has called for a safety review following the death of two youngsters who died after getting into trouble off the popular beach and called on police to clarify the circumstances to end “wild speculation”.

The sightseeing boat, the Dorset Belle, which is at the centre of investigations, has been impounded by Dorset Police following the incident on Wednesday in which a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton died.

Another eight people were treated by paramedics.

A man aged in his 40s who was “on the water” at the time was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and has been released under investigation on Thursday while police inquiries continue.

MP calls for safety review following Bournemouth beach deaths

Bournemouth: Witness describes 'panic' on beach after tragic incident

Saturday 3 June 2023 02:00 , Joe Middleton

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

Saturday 3 June 2023 01:00 , Joe Middleton

Tragedy struck a packed Bournemouth beach yesterday as two youngsters died after being pulled from the sea.

Eight other people were recovered from the water after getting into difficulty off the main pier as thousands of beachgoers enjoyed the sunny half-term weather.

They were treated by paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been launched by Dorset Police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

Friday 2 June 2023 23:00 , Joe Middleton

Friday 2 June 2023 22:45 , Natalie Crockett

A boat seized by police in Bournemouth returned twice to the pier during the tragic incident that led to the death of two children on Wednesday, marine traffic data shows.

The 49-year-old sea-going passenger boat, Dorset Belle, was impounded by officers on Thursday and was the subject of further searches on Friday as it remained at the Cobb’s Quay, Poole Harbour, guarded by a police van.

In a new development, the website Marine Traffic indicated that the vessel had visited Bournemouth Pier, the scene of the incident, at 4pm, minutes before the first 999 calls were made, and returned again afterwards.

It comes as Dorset police are continuing investigations into the vessel and any role it may have had in the incident that led to the deaths of a girl, 12, from High Wycombe and a boy, 17, from Southampton.

Joe Middleton has more:

Bournemouth pleasure boat seized by police returned to pier twice as tragedy unfolded

Everything we know about impounded sightseeing boat after Bournemouth beach deaths

Friday 2 June 2023 21:37 , Joe Middleton

A sightseeing boat has been impounded by police after two children died in a tragic sea incident in Bournemouth this week.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near the Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

A day after the incident, forensic officers were seen onboard the sightseeing boat, the Dorset Belle, at Cobb’s Quay, Poole Harbour.

Everything we know about impounded boat after Bournemouth beach deaths

ICYMI: Police say there was 'no physical contact' between vessel and swimmers at Bournemouth beach

Friday 2 June 2023 19:45 , Joe Middleton

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Friday 2 June 2023 18:45 , Joe Middleton

Bournemouth has been rocked by the tragic deaths of two children who got into trouble in the sea as thousands of half-term holidaymakers descended on the popular beach.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

Police are still establishing what happened during the incident, but a father of one of the beach tragedy survivors has claimed his 18-year-old daughter - who spent a short time in hospital after the incident - was taken out by a “riptide”.

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Pleasure boat at centre of beach deaths investigation ‘was not licensed’

Friday 2 June 2023 17:59 , Joe Middleton

The sightseeing boat at the centre of investigations into the death of two youngsters ‘was not licensed’ by the local authority, a council spokesman has confirmed.

A spokesman for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council told PA: “We do not license this boat.”

This comes despite the authority’s website stating: “Any person who wishes to be in charge or navigate a pleasure boat/vessel, including Poole Harbour and Christchurch Harbour, for the purpose of letting it out for hire to members of the public, or to be used for carrying passengers for hire, must obtain a licence from us.”

The spokesman declined to comment on whether any other organisation licensed the Dorset Belle and referred all enquiries to Dorset Police.

Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

Friday 2 June 2023 17:43 , Joe Middleton

The father of one of the survivors of the Bournemouth beach tragedy has addressed the rumours surrounding the mystery events that led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, as police search a pleasure boat as part of their investigation.

Survivor Lauren Tate, 18, one of eight others who were injured, was treated in hospital and is now continuing to recover at home, after a rip tide took her and her friends out to sea when they were swimming by the pier, according to her father.

In response to the intense speculation that has surrounded the incident, her father told MailOnline: “We’ve seen all the stuff about boats and jet skis but it wasn’t like that. She was swimming in the sea with her friends when the rip tide took them out.

Bournemouth tragedy survivor’s father addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

MP calls for safety review following Bournemouth beach deaths

Friday 2 June 2023 16:44 , Joe Middleton

A Bournemouth MP has called for a safety review following the death of two youngsters who died after getting into trouble off the popular beach and called on police to clarify the circumstances to end “wild speculation”.

Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP, for Bournemouth East, told the PA news agency: “There needs to be a review, the police are conducting their investigation, there needs to be a review of the circumstances to see whether any safety measures and protocols need to be upgraded to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future.

“I encourage Dorset Police to clarify the general circumstances of this tragic accident to avoid further wild speculation and uncertainty for parents who may be cautious about going to any part of the beach, unclear of exactly what happened in this terrible incident.”

Map shows route pleasure boat Dorset Belle took at time of tragedy

Friday 2 June 2023 16:07 , Joe Middleton

Here is a map which shows the journey that pleasure boat Dorset Belle took at the time of the incident on Bournemouth beach.

The boat left the pier at 4pm and then returned at 4.38pm, shortly after the ambulance service requested assistance near the pier.

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Friday 2 June 2023 15:42 , Joe Middleton

Bournemouth has been rocked by the tragic deaths of two children who got into trouble in the sea as thousands of half-term holidaymakers descended on the popular beach.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

Police are still establishing what happened during the incident, but a father of one of the beach tragedy survivors has claimed his 18-year-old daughter - who spent a short time in hospital after the incident - was taken out by a “riptide”.

Matt Mathers explains.

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Experts advise on how to stay safe while swimming in open water

Friday 2 June 2023 15:20 , Joe Middleton

Each year, rising temperatures and longer days in summer encourage Britons to seek out bodies of water to cool off and have fun in.

Swimming, paddleboarding and other water-based activities can provide a wholesome day for families and friends, whether that’s in lakes, rivers, or at the seaside. However, there are a number of safety measures individuals should remember when taking part in these.

It comes after several people had drowned in rivers, lakes and in the sea in recent weeks, with four deaths occurring over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend alone.

Kate Ng reports.

Experts advise on how to stay safe while swimming in open water

Bournemouth: Witness describes 'panic' on beach after tragic incident

Friday 2 June 2023 14:58 , Joe Middleton

Passenger aboard Dorset Belle recalls moment body pulled from water

Friday 2 June 2023 14:33 , Joe Middleton

A passenger on board the Dorset Belle when the deaths of two young people occurred at a Bournemouth has recalled seeing a body pulled from the water.

Luke Owen went for a trip with his family on the vessel shortly before 10 people got into trouble in the sea on Wednesday afternoon at around 4pm.

Mr Owen said he was surprised to see an empty beach after they docked up following the tour and was told by the boat operator that somebody was being pulled from the water.

He told the Daily Mirror: “Nothing really affects me but when it’s something like that it kind of hits you.

“Especially as I was with the family, my little one especially, I wanted to get out of there.

“My son’s 14 so he wanted to see what was going on so we looked briefly and police were saying for people to move.”

Everything we know about impounded sightseeing boat after Bournemouth beach deaths

Friday 2 June 2023 14:15 , Joe Middleton

A sightseeing boat has been impounded by police after two children died in a tragic sea incident in Bournemouth this week.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near the Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

A day after the incident, forensic officers were seen onboard the sightseeing boat, the Dorset Belle, at Cobb’s Quay, Poole Harbour.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain reports.

Everything we know about impounded boat after Bournemouth beach deaths

Watch: Tory MP Tobias Ellwood says Bournemouth council to review protocols on pier after two fatalities

Friday 2 June 2023 14:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A packed beach, a fight and a single bunch of flowers: Mystery Bournemouth deaths fail to deter tourists

Friday 2 June 2023 13:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Mystery still surrounds the events that saw a 17 year-old-boy and a 12 year-girl lose their lives - but Bournemouth beach was as busy as ever on Thursday. Tara Cobham reports

A beach and a bunch of flowers: Busy Bournemouth welcomes tourists day after deaths

No jet skis or pier jumpers involved in Bournemouth beach deaths, police say

Friday 2 June 2023 13:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

No jet skis or pier jumping were involved in the deaths of two children at Bournemouth beach, Dorset Police have said.

There was also no physical contact between the 10 swimmers plucked from the waves on Wednesday evening and any vessel, the force added on Thursday.

A 40-year-old man “on the water” at the time of the tragedy has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

The youngsters who died after being pulled from the sea – a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl – had suffered “critical injuries”. Eight other people were treated on the beach for injuries described as non-threatening.

No jet skis or pier jumpers involved in Bournemouth beach tragedy, police say

Map shows route pleasure boat Dorset Belle took at time of tragedy

Friday 2 June 2023 12:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Here is a map which shows the journey that pleasure boat Dorset Belle took at the time of the incident on Bournemouth beach.

The boat left the pier at 4pm and then returned at 4.38pm, shortly after the ambulance service requested assistance near the pier.

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

Friday 2 June 2023 12:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been launched by Dorset Police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Jet skis and other watercraft operating in the Bournemouth and Poole areas must follow specific rules between April and October.

Bournemouth, a popular seaside town on England’s south coast, is popular with locals and tourists during the summer months.

Average temperatures in and around the pier area of the sea are 12.4C for the month of June and can exceed 16 in September, according to the surf-forecast website.

The website says the area tends to receive a mix of “groundswells” and “windswells”, with surfers warned to “watch out for rips and crowds.

Read on here:

What happened at Bournemouth beach? Everything we know about incident

People inspect the impounded Dorset Belle

Friday 2 June 2023 12:08 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Pictures show a group of people inspecting the cabin of the Dorset Belle cruise boat which has been impounded at Cobb's Quay Marine in Poole, Dorset.

Eyewitnesses suggest swimmers got caught up in dangerous riptide on in Bournemouth sea tragedy

Friday 2 June 2023 11:39 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Eyewitnesses to Wednesday’s tragedy have suggested that the swimmers got caught up in a dangerous riptide leading to the fatal incident.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council leader Councillor Vicky Slade has said she will be discussing safety at the pier with local MP Conor Burns on Friday.

The local authority’s website states that all passenger-carrying boats must be issued with a licence to operate in the area.

It also states from April to October, yellow marker buoys are set out 200 metres from the low water mark to indicate that watercraft must not “go beyond 6 knots, annoy or endanger other beach users or run ashore or launch from the beach.”

The nearby Boscombe artificial reef has the speed limit all-year round.

Cllr Slade said: “There is no evidence to suggest any of those rules have been breached.

“We are confident with our partners that any lessons that need to be learned in the future will be learned.”

Dorset Police has said they are working with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to investigate the incident.

MP calls for safety review following Bournemouth beach tragedy

Friday 2 June 2023 11:12 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A Bournemouth MP has called for a review of safety following the death of two youngsters who died after getting into trouble off the popular beach and called on police to clarify the circumstances to end “wild speculation”.

The sightseeing boat, the Dorset Belle, which is at the centre of investigations, has been impounded by Dorset Police following the incident on Wednesday in which a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton died.

Another eight people were treated by paramedics.

A man aged in his 40s who was “on the water” at the time was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and has been released under investigation on Thursday while police inquiries continue.

On Friday, the 49-year-old sea-going passenger boat Dorset Belle remains at anchor at Cobb’s Quay, Poole Harbour, guarded by a police van.

According to the website Marine Traffic, the vessel had visited Bournemouth Pier, the scene of the tragic incident, at 4pm, just minutes before the first 999 calls were made.

Dorset Police has said that no physical contact was made between the swimmers and any vessel or jet-ski and those involved had not been jumping off the pier.

The force has declined to comment on any investigation into the Dorset Belle and refused to say what or if any vessel was involved

Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP, for Bournemouth East, told the PA news agency: “There needs to be a review, the police are conducting their investigation, there needs to be a review of the circumstances to see whether any safety measures and protocols need to be upgraded to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future.

“I encourage Dorset Police to clarify the general circumstances of this tragic accident to avoid further wild speculation and uncertainty for parents who may be cautious about going to any part of the beach, unclear of exactly what happened in this terrible incident.”

The vessel’s website states that it was purpose-built as a passenger boat to operate locally and could “cope with the occasional challenging swell conditions encountered at local piers”.

Pleasure boat ‘Dorset Belle’ guarded by police cars this morning in Bournemouth

Friday 2 June 2023 10:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A cruise boat called the Dorset Belle which has been impounded at Cobb’s Quay Marina in Poole, Dorset, is being guarded by police this morning.

It comes after a 17-year-old-boy and a girl aged 12 sustained “critical injuries” on Wednesday, and later died in hospital following an incident off Bournemouth beach

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

Friday 2 June 2023 10:38 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Bournemouth has been rocked by the tragic deaths of two children who got into trouble in the sea as thousands of half-term holidaymakers descended on the popular beach.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy died after suffering critical injuries during the incident near Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday.

Eight others were pulled from the water but none of their conditions were life-threatening.

Police are still establishing what happened during the incident, but a father of one of the beach tragedy survivors has claimed his 18-year-old daughter - who spent a short time in hospital after the incident - was taken out by a “riptide”.

It comes after police dismissed speculation that the victims had jumped off the pier or were hit by a vessel on the water.

Here we look at what a riptide is and what to do if you get caught in one:

What is a riptide? Sea phenomenon explained after Bournemouth tragedy

A packed beach, a fight and a single bunch of flowers: Mystery Bournemouth deaths fail to deter tourists

Friday 2 June 2023 10:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Mystery still surrounds the events that saw a 17 year-old-boy and a 12 year-girl lose their lives - but Bournemouth beach was as busy as ever. Tara Cobham reports:

A lone bunch of flowers among the countless holidaymakers serves as a reminder of the tragic event that took place less than 24 hours ago.

The sun beats down on Bournemouth as children delight in digging sandcastles around the pink roses, sunbathing parents watch on, and the sounds of teenagers laughing and playing music waft on the breeze.

On Wednesday afternoon this stretch of beach, enjoying shade from the iconic pier, witnessed a tragedy that has baffled the country.

A beach and a bunch of flowers: Busy Bournemouth welcomes tourists day after deaths

Father of Bournemouth tragedy survivor addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

Friday 2 June 2023 09:46 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The father of one of the survivors of the Bournemouth beach tragedy has addressed the rumours surrounding the mystery events that led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, as police search a pleasure boat as part of their investigation.

Survivor Lauren Tate, 18, one of eight others who were injured, was treated in hospital and is now continuing to recover at home, after a rip tide took her and her friends out to sea when they were swimming by the pier, according to her father.

In response to the intense speculation that has surrounded the incident, her father told MailOnline: “We’ve seen all the stuff about boats and jet skis but it wasn’t like that. She was swimming in the sea with her friends when the rip tide took them out.

“She was lucky to get pulled from the sea by the coastguard and one of her other friends was rescued by a paddleboarder.

“I know the boy who died was at college with her, but I don’t know anything about him. All she told me is that they all met up on the train and headed to Bournemouth beach for the day.”

Bournemouth tragedy survivor’s father addresses rumours as police probe pleasure boat

Watch: Witness describes ‘panic’ on beach after tragic incident

Friday 2 June 2023 09:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Police search pleasure boat as girl, 12, and boy, 17, die in beach incident mystery

Friday 2 June 2023 09:09 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Police have searched a pleasure boat as part of the investigation into the deaths of two children who sustained “critical injuries” at Bournemouth beach on Wednesday.

A 17-year-old boy from Southampton and a 12-year-old girl from High Wycombe lost their lives after being pulled from the sea in front of horrified beachgoers on Wednesday afternoon.

A man in his forties, who was “on the water” at the time but not known to the children, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, police said. He was released under investigation on Thursday evening.

Eight other children, who had minor injuries and were treated by paramedics at the scene, were also rescued. It is not thought the group all knew each other.

Pleasure boat searched as girl, 12, and boy, 17, die in beach mystery

Beachgoers filmed Bournemouth tragedy victim receiving CPR

Friday 2 June 2023 08:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Beachgoers filmed paramedics delivering CPR to people involved in an incident off Bournemouth Pier that killed two youngsters, witnesses have said.

The deceased - a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl - sustained “critical injuries” and died after being pulled from the sea.

Eight other people were treated for injuries described as non-threatening. A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

People at the scene have hit out at those who filmed emergency services.

Nicola Holton, who was at the beach with her husband, said she witnessed lifeguards entering the sea trying to help “multiple people” who were struggling in the water.

Beachgoers filmed Bournemouth tragedy victim receiving CPR

Bournemouth beach tragedy ‘like scene from horror film’ as child’s body ‘floated in water’

Friday 2 June 2023 08:29 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Eyewitnesses described a tragedy on Bournemouth beach that left two children dead as “like a horror movie”.

A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy suffered “critical” injuries in a fatal incident that occurred next to Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday afternoon.

Police arrested a man in his 40s who was “on the water” at the time on suspicion of manslaughter and investigations to establish exactly what happened are ongoing.

Read more from Matt Mathers here:

Bournemouth beach tragedy ‘like scene from horror film’ as body ‘floating in water’

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website