…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Police have released more information regarding the devastating incident at Bournemouth beach in Dorset, where two children lost their lives.
The victims have been identified as a 17-year-old boy from Southampton and a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire.
Despite efforts by medical professionals, the children could not be saved.
Appeal for Cooperation:
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing videos of the incident on social media.
Instead, they are requesting that any footage be directly submitted to the police as part of their ongoing investigation.
The inquiry is being conducted in collaboration with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the coastguard.
Clarification of Circumstances:
In an official press conference, Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell stated that there is “no suggestion” of individuals jumping from Bournemouth pier or the involvement of jet skis in the tragic event.
Assistant Chief Constable Farrell emphasized that jetskis were not implicated, and there was no evidence of anyone jumping from the pier.
Furthermore, eight other individuals who were present at the scene received treatment but did not require hospitalization.
No Physical Contact or Connection Between Victims:
Police have confirmed that no vessel had physical contact with the 17-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl who encountered difficulties in the sea.
Additionally, it has been determined that the two victims were neither related nor acquainted with each other.
Timeline of Events:
Dorset Police received a report from paramedics around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, alerting them to people in need of assistance near Bournemouth Pier.
Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene and successfully rescued ten individuals from the water.
Tragically, the 17-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl sustained critical injuries and later passed away in the hospital.
The remaining eight individuals were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Arrest Made in Connection:
A man in his 40s, who was present in the water during the incident, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, according to the police.
Ongoing Investigation and Request for Information:
A police spokesperson emphasized that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are still underway.
The authorities are collaborating with various agencies to determine the cause of the incident.
As the inquiry progresses, additional details will be provided to the public.
Community Response:
Families visiting the beach the following day expressed shock and sadness at the previous day’s events.
A woman, preferring to remain anonymous, described the incident as a real tragedy that occurred during the half-term period when people typically come to enjoy themselves.
Appeal for Information and Caution:
Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan of Dorset Police urged individuals with any relevant information to come forward, stressing that it is still early in the investigation.
He also requested that people refrain from speculating about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Lessons Learned and Gratitude:
Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns acknowledged the inherent risks associated with beaches and the ocean, highlighting the importance of caution.
He expressed gratitude to the lifeguards and Air Ambulance for their dedicated efforts.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as lifeguard sirens blared and the beach was swiftly cleared.
Tom Saunders, a surfer, recounted seeing someone receiving CPR while the lifeguards shielded the area from view.
He and other surfers volunteered to assist the search efforts conducted by jetskis near the pier.
Another witness, Howard Cohen, recalled the commotion and panic as emergency services rushed to the beach.
Conclusion:
As mourners placed flowers near the pier in remembrance, authorities continue to investigate the tragic incident, with the priority of supporting the families affected by this heartbreaking loss.
The cooperation of the public in providing information and refraining from speculation is crucial in piecing together the events that led to this tragedy.