Teens die off Bournemouth beach, man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter

Tragedy struck off the coast of Bournemouth beach as a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl lost their lives in a multi-agency incident. Dorset Police have initiated an investigation, arresting a man in his 40s who was on the water during the event, on suspicion of manslaughter. Ten individuals were pulled from the water after emergency services responded to the scene.

The police received a report from paramedics around 4.30pm on Wednesday, indicating that people needed assistance near Bournemouth Pier. Tragically, the 17-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl sustained critical injuries and later died in the hospital. Their families have been informed of their passing. The remaining eight people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the scene.

Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan of Dorset Police expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the young people who tragically died and we are doing all we can to support their families.” He urged anyone with information that could help with the investigation to come forward and cautioned against speculating about the circumstances of the incident.

South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) deployed multiple teams to the scene, including two air ambulances, six land ambulances, and a critical care car. The coastguard also conducted a search to ensure no other individuals were missing, ultimately confirming that none were.