Bournemouth beach deaths: No criminal offence committed, police say

A full and detailed investigation by Dorset Police has been carried out following the tragic incident on Wednesday, May 31. 

Southampton trainee chef Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton, and 12-year-old Sunnah Khan, from High Wycombe, died as a result of drowning, a coroner ruled last month. 

Now, Dorset Police has said officers have reached a position to make the evidence-based decision that no criminal offences were committed.

Sunnah, left and Joe, right (Image: UGC)

No further action will be taken in respect of a man who was arrested in connection with this incident, officers say, and he has been fully released from the investigation. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan said: “On Wednesday 31 May 2023 at about 3.50pm several people swimming in the sea got into difficulty resulting in the rescue of eleven people by the RNLI lifeguards.  

“During this incident, which occurred approximately 100 metres to the east of the pier and in the zone between the RNLI flags, Joe and Sunnah tragically drowned. 

“During the emergency response that followed, information was given to police, which indicated that the movement of a boat – the Dorset Belle – immediately before the incident occurred could have contributed toward creating dangerous sea conditions. 

Emergency services on the beach (Image: BNPS)

“Witnesses suggested that there had been similar issues with the vessel having created such problems previously. 

“Based upon this information an investigation was initiated. It was important that all relevant evidence was captured.  

“Therefore, it was appropriate to examine the boat and determine the actions of the operator. Following the examination, the boat was released. 

“In order to properly understand whether the boat could have been a contributing factor, it was necessary to instruct an expert to review the material gathered by police. 

Police say no criminal offence has occurred (Image: BNPS)

“It was simply not possible to make a decision in this case without expert advice. The instructed expert needed time to review the evidential material and also to consider the prevailing tide and meteorological conditions at the time alongside the topography of the shoreline at the location. 

“Also, a large number of witnesses have been spoken to and several sources of CCTV and mobile phone footage were examined. 

“As a result of all of the evidence available, we are now able to confirm that we do not believe that the movement of the Dorset Belle contributed to the incident. 

“We have worked with the agencies that lead on beach safety from the outset of this investigation.” 

Dorset Police will work with HM Coroner for Dorset to provide a report covering the incident and investigation.  

The final findings regarding the causes of this tragedy will be for HM Coroner to consider at inquest proceedings. 

Mr Corrigan added: “My thoughts remain with the families of Sunnah Khan and Joe Abbess.”