POLICE investigating the tragic death of a man whose body was found in the sea believe the crew of a boat may have vital information.

The body of a man in his 70s was discovered at 9.25pm on Sunday May 24 at Hengistbury Head, nearly two days after he went missing from Mudeford Quay.

Police, in association with HM Coroner, would like to speak to the crew of a boat which left Mudeford Quay at 2am on Saturday, May 23, in connection with their inquiries.

Police Sergeant Tim Ward, of Christchurch police, said: "We believe that the craft was in the general area around the same time as the incident which resulted in a man’s body being discovered.

"I am hoping that whoever was on that boat may be able to provide us with vital information for the coroner’s inquest.

"This is a very tragic incident and any information we have may help to piece together exactly what happened. I would like to emphasise that this death is not being treated as suspicious."

The man’s next of kin have been notified and the death is not being treated as suspicious. It is believed that the man had entered the water at Mudeford Quay 43 hours before he was found.

A search was launched after his abandoned car was found at Mudeford Quay and a pair of glasses and a coat found on the quayside.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 23:89.