Bournemouth beach tragedy victims honoured in memorial service

Susan Green travelled with fellow family members of Sunnah Khan to Hengistbury Head in Bournemouth on Sunday for a special memorial service – just over a month since the major incident on May 31.

Respects were paid to Sunnah and 17-year-old Joe Abbess, a trainee chef at City College, by public service leaders and members of the public at St Nicholas’ Church.

An emotional Ms Green spoke to the Bournemouth Echo after the service and extended heartfelt thanks to the first responders who rescued beachgoers in difficulty near Bournemouth Pier, while recognising the mental strain this had.

Susan Green, grandmother of Sunnah Khan, pays her respects. (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped on that day.

“Sunnah’s mum Stephanie works for the NHS in the A&E department, so she knows as well as anyone how it is when something really tragic happens, so as a family we just wanted to say thank you.

“We also know how much of an impact this would have had on those who were there that day, so we want to thank them because we know that they would have taken the tragedy of what happened home with them.”

Ms Green described the service, which featured readings and hymns, as “absolutely lovely”.

The service was led by The Revd. Chris Colledge who marked Sea Sunday with messages of unity.

Candles are lit at a service remembering Sunnah Khan and Joe Abbess, who died in the tragedy at #Bournemouth beach in late May. @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/NAJVuGVTgs

— Andrew Goldman (@AndrewDailyEcho) July 9, 2023

He said: “We are observing with respect and condolences the two young people who recently drowned at the major incident at Bournemouth beach.

“And we surround the family who are here present today with all our thoughts and love. No words can express the pain and sorrow that you feel.

“Today is not about religion, it’s about showing our respects and remembering.”

READ MORE: Tributes to Southampton teenager Joe Abbess

Images of Sunnah and Joe were placed at the front of the church hall, and candles were lit in their memory by Bournemouth mayor Cllr Anne Filer and Lord Lieutenant for Dorset Angus Campbell.

Also present at the ceremony were representatives from the RNLI, Dorset Police, HM Coastguard, NCI and BCP Council.

Dorset Police are continuing to work with experts and partner agencies to understand the circumstances of the incident.

To watch the service, visit 'St Katharine St Nicholas Southbourne' on YouTube.