Two young people died after allegedly encountering a riptide while swimming at a popular beach. Police are investigating the events that led up to their drownings.
Dorset Police have identified the two minors who lost their lives in the water off Bournemouth Beach in the UK.
The victims were Joe Abbess, 17, and Sunnah Khan, 12. In addition to the fatalities, eight other people sustained injuries during the incident.
During the inquest opening at Dorset Coroner’s Court, a “suggestion” was made that a riptide might have been responsible for the drowning of the two individuals. Dorset Police has stated that they are maintaining an open mind regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police force is exploring various factors, such as weather and water conditions.
The authorities were alerted by paramedics around 4:30 pm on Wednesday, May 31, regarding individuals needing help near Bournemouth Pier. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene, rescuing 10 people from the water. Although Joe and Sunnah were also retrieved from the sea, their injuries proved fatal, and they died later in the hospital.
Following the event, police arrested a man in his 40s, who was present in the water at the time, on suspicion of manslaughter. However, he has been released under investigation as police inquiries continue.
In memory of Joe, his family released a tribute statement through Dorset police, expressing their deep sorrow and devastation over his untimely death.
Riptides, powerful currents that flow from the shoreline to deeper water, pose a significant risk as they can swiftly carry individuals and objects away from the shallows. These currents, which can be challenging to detect, are a leading cause of global accidental drownings. While rip currents are generally harmless, they can gain strength near prominent landmarks such as Bournemouth Pier.