A PLEASURE boat seized by police after two children died off Bournemouth beach has permanently ceased operations at the pier.
The Dorset Belle will no longer serve Bournemouth Pier following the major incident in the water on May 31 which saw 17-year-old Joe Abbess and 12-year-old Sunnah Khan tragically die.
Police seized the 1974-built vessel following the incident and it was docked at Cobb’s Quay Marina in Poole, with officials seen inspecting the boat in early June.
However, operator Island Cruises Ltd has said the boat will not return to the pier “due to current circumstances”.
A spokesperson for the Dorset Belle said: “Our thoughts go out to the two children and their families who tragically lost their lives on Bournemouth beach on Wednesday 31st May.
“Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, all operations from Bournemouth Pier have been permanently discontinued.
“Island Cruises Ltd who own the vessel along with current operators who have recently been running the boat thank all for the support afforded to both companies.”
Dorset Police has previously said that no physical contact was made between the swimmers and any vessel during the incident.
Investigators were looking at all circumstances of the tragedy including weather, wind conditions and the state of the water at the time, police said.
BCP Council recently suspended all boat operations from the pier “as a precaution” pending a conclusion to the investigation.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “We are aware the investigation is complex and will consult with Dorset Police when the investigation is complete.”
A man in his 40s, who was described as “on the water” at the time of the incident, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but was released under investigation.
The Dorset Belle has hosted cruises from Bournemouth to destinations including Brownsea Island, Poole and Swanage. It occasionally travels as far as Southampton, Weymouth and the Isle of Wight.
Operations moved to Cardiff Bay in 2002, before returning to serve Bournemouth Pier in 2021.
The Daily Echo has contacted Island Cruises Ltd, however, the firm does not want to comment.
Dorset Police, meanwhile, said there were no further updates into their investigation.
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