A boat was not involved in the deaths of two young people at Bournemouth pier, investigators have said. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said it will not carry out a full inquiry into what happened on May 31 after a “thorough” initial assessment.
Joe Abbess, 17, and Sunnah Khan, 12, drowned and eight others were treated by paramedics after they were suspected to have been caught in a riptide near the Dorset seaside resort’s famous pier.
Dorset Police impounded the pleasure cruiser Dorset Belle at its berth in Poole Harbour after the fatal incident.
The MAIB said in a statement: “Having conducted a thorough preliminary assessment of the circumstances of this tragic accident the MAIB has decided that no formal investigation will be launched.
“This was a truly tragic accident, but our understanding of the circumstances is that it did not involve a vessel and therefore is not something the branch would investigate.”
Dorset Police said the beach was extremely busy at the time of the incident, but neither of the youngsters nor anyone else pulled from the sea had been involved in a collision or contact with any vessel in the water.
Friends and teachers paid tribute to Joe Abbess, a trainee chef who was studying at City College Southampton, describing him as “an exceptional student”.
His family said in a statement issued earlier this month: “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.”
Stephanie Williams, Sunnah’s mother, posted on social media, describing her “beautiful” daughter as “so well loved and well liked”.
She wrote: “Sunnah was so well loved and well liked. No parent should ever have to go through what her dad and I are going through. We love you so much baby girl.”
On June 6, Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan said officers were keeping an “open mind around the circumstances”.
He said: “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.”
