Bournemouth beach deaths – latest: Boat operations halted after ‘riptide’ pier tragedy
Sunnah Khan, 12 and Joe Abbess, 17, died last week after getting into difficulty off the pier
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boat operations from Bournemouth Pier, where two youngsters died last week, have been suspended as a precaution.
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.
An inquest heard on Monday that they died of ‘drowning’.
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.
On Tuesday, the local council said that a ban on boat operations would remain while the police carry out an investigation.
A statement, seen by the Independent, 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.”
A 40-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident has been released under investigation.
Breaking: Youngsters died of ‘drowning’, inquest hears
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.
Dorset Police to give update
Dorset Police are expected to give an update in the hour following the tragic events that unfolded on Bournemouth beach yesterday. Stay tuned for live updates.
Beachgoers filmed Bournemouth tragedy victim receiving CPR
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.
Beachgoers filmed Bournemouth tragedy victim receiving CPR
‘People were running towards those having CPR filming on their phones’, one woman says
Watch: Witness describes ‘panic’ on beach after tragic incident
Holidaymaker Howard Cohen from London, who witnessed the incident on Bournemouth Beach on Wednesday, 31 May, described the “commotion” and “panic” after a 17-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl died after getting into difficulty in the sea.
Flowers left on Bournemouth beach
Flowers have been left on the beach following the tragic events yesterday at Bournemouth.
A 17-year-old from Southampton and a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire lost their lives yesterday on Bournemouth beach, Dorset Police have said.
‘No suggestion of people jumping from the pier or jet skis involved'
Dorset Police have confirmed that there is “no suggestion of people jumping from the pier or jet skis being involved.”
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident has been launched, Dorset Police said.
They added that a man aged in his 40s who was on the water at the time has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Dorset Police said that “a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and we are investigating the circumstances or event that caused this to happen”.