Bournemouth beach: Dorset Belle sold by Island Cruises

The Dorset Belle was at the centre of a major police investigation earlier this month.

The pleasure boat was impounded at Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole, with officers carrying out examinations.

Island Cruises ran cruises which stopped at Bournemouth Pier.

The firm announced it has sold the Dorset Belle on Tuesday.

The Dorset Belle in Poole (Image: PA)

A statement posted on social media, states: “Unfortunately, due to the circumstances currently surrounding the Dorset Belle, the only option available to Island Cruises is to sell her to avoid liquidation of the company, the bills have been mounting up and need to be paid, the lack of money due to the vessel not operating has been a major factor in this heartbreaking decision.

It goes on to say: “We have owned her for almost five years, made it through Covid and the recession but the last few weeks have been too much financially and mentally with lots of sleepless nights.

"I have searched for a solution to keep her operating from Bournemouth but have drawn a blank.

"She was handed over to her new owners this afternoon, she will be deeply missed by us all.

"On a positive note, her new owners are already spending time on her to get her ready for the remainder of the summer, we all wish them the very best for the future.”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said it would not be formally investigating the deaths of Southampton teenager Joe Abbess, 12, and Sunnah Khanm 12 from Buckinghamshire.

A spokesperson for the agency said it was understood the incident surrounding their deaths did not involve a vessel.