A PLEASURE boat seized by police after two children died off Bournemouth beach returned to the pier at least twice while the incident was ongoing.

The Dorset Belle is currently docked at Cobb’s Quay Marina in Poole guarded by a police van, with investigative officers seen inspecting the cabin earlier today (Friday, June 2).

This comes after a major incident in the water off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday, May 31, which saw a 17-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl tragically die.

According to the website Marine Traffic, the Dorset Belle had visited Bournemouth Pier at 4pm, just minutes before the first 999 calls were made.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset Belle seen docked at Bournemouth Pier during the major incident.Dorset Belle seen docked at Bournemouth Pier during the major incident. (Image: BNPS)

The 49-year-old vessel, which offers pleasure rides along the Dorset coast, then made two return visits while the massive emergency operation was ongoing.

Online database My Ship Tracking records the Belle as having returned to the pier at 4.40pm before casting off again at 5.03pm.

The boat then made one final visit to the pier at 5.36pm where it remained for no more than 15 minutes before returning to Poole. This is corroborated by a witness photograph obtained by the Echo showing the vessel approaching the Pier at 5.34pm.

The photograph also suggests no passengers were on board during this final journey.

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.

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

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.

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.