FLORAL tributes are to be laid on Bournemouth beach in memory of the two children who drowned in May 2023.

Joe Abbess, 17, and Sunnah Khan, 12, died on May 31 last year after the pair drowned in a suspected rip current.

A section of Bournemouth beach has been identified for people to lay flowers in tribute to the two people who sadly lost their lives last spring.

The council has selected a space, which is east of Bournemouth pier, for people to leave flowers and tributes.

The council said if people leave tributes in other locations around the town, they will respectfully be moved to the same spot, so all the tributes are in the same place.

Joe Abbess’s mum released a loving tribute for her son, which read: “Joe was enjoying a lovely day at the beach with his friends before the tragedy unfolded and our lives changed forever.

“I dropped him at the station that morning to meet his friends and get the train to Bournemouth; we could never have imagined that he would not be coming home.

“Joe was a wonderful son and brother who is so dearly missed, and we are all heartbroken and devastated by his death.

“Our family and friends will always love him, and we are incredibly proud of the fabulous young man he was.

“We were privileged to have him in our lives for 17 years and so sorry that he will never be able to fulfil his dreams and ambitions.”

“Vanessa added: “As we attempt to navigate life without Joe, we hope to help others in his memory by telling his story.

“I feel that through educating people about the unpredictability and ferocity of the sea, lives can be saved.”

Eleven people were rescued from the sea that day but sadly Joe and Sunnah passed away.

Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader of the council and the portfolio holder for connected communities, said: “Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan at this time.

“As a mark of respect, no events will take place on the seafront on May 31 in the immediate vicinity where the incident took place.”