Dorset Police have confirmed that a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy who died after being pulled from the sea off Bournemouth beach were not hit by any vessels. The force released the information to address speculation following the incident on Wednesday, when ten swimmers got into difficulty.
A man in his 40s who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released under investigation. Police stressed that investigations are still in the early stages and that there was no contact with a jet ski or boat, and no one jumped from the pier.
The victims, from Buckinghamshire and Southampton respectively, were from separate groups visiting the beach. The arrested man was not known to them. Eight other people were rescued and treated on the beach.
Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell thanked members of the public who helped those in trouble and beachgoers who cleared the area for emergency services. Dr Rob Rosa, who assisted in resuscitation efforts, praised the lifeguards for their exceptional response.
The RNLI is offering support to the lifeguards involved. Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said protocols on the pier could be reviewed, while council leader Vikki Slade stated beach safety is a top priority. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are also investigating.
Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and will release further information as the investigation progresses.
