POLICE are no longer occupying a boat which is believed to be at the centre of a major incident off Bournemouth beach. 

Dorset Belle, a pleasure boat that operates from Bournemouth Pier, was seized by Dorset Police on Wednesday, May 31 and taken to Cobbs Quay Marina in Hamworthy, Poole. 

Until now, police have remained by the boat with officials seen examining it, but they have now left, leaving the boat docked by itself. 

On Wednesday, a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy died after an incident in the water off Bournemouth beach, next to the pier. 

Bournemouth Echo: People inspecting the cabin of the Dorset Belle cruise boat at Cobb's Quay Marine in Poole on Friday, June 2People inspecting the cabin of the Dorset Belle cruise boat at Cobb's Quay Marine in Poole on Friday, June 2 (Image: PA)

Eight other swimmers were treated following the incident and have survived, but mystery still surrounds the circumstances of how the children came about their deaths. 

Dorset Police has said that no physical contact was made between the swimmers and any vessel or jet-ski and those involved had not been jumping off the pier. 

A man in his 40s, who was described as “on the water” at the time, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but has since been released under investigation. 

Read more: Bournemouth beach: Pleasure boat returned to pier twice amid incident

Dorset Police has declined to comment on any investigation into the Dorset Belle and refused to say what or if any vessel was involved. 

The operator of Dorset Belle has also been approached to comment. 

What is the Dorset Belle? 

  • The Dorset Belle is a passenger boat built in Poole by J. Bolson in 1974. 
  • Its accommodation design is based on the successful lines of the Dutch Waterbus. 
  • Operations moved to Cardiff Bay in 2002, before returning to serve Bournemouth Pier in 2021. 
  • It was the first purpose built steel passenger boat to operate locally. 
  • It has operated, primarily, on short cruises from Bournemouth to destinations including Brownsea Island, Poole and Swanage. It occasionally travels as far as Southampton, Weymouth and the Isle of Wight. 
  • It houses a refreshment bar and a heated observation saloon.