Dorset Police have launched an urgent search after a swimmer vanished at Durley Chine beach in Bournemouth on Tuesday, July 21, after asking beachgoers to watch his belongings.
Details of the incident
The missing swimmer reportedly asked fellow beachgoers to look after his possessions before entering the sea and failed to return. The incident occurred between 2pm and 3pm, with police notified around 5.35pm.
The missing swimmer is described as a white man in his 50s, with tanned skin and dark brown hair.
Search efforts and police appeal
Searches are being conducted by police, assisted by HM Coastguard and the RNLI. Sergeant David Carmichael of Dorset Police said: "We are growing concerned for this swimmer's welfare and are carrying out enquiries to locate him. I am appealing to anyone who witnessed a man matching the description given handing over his belongings or entering the water at Durley Chine beach between 2pm and 3pm on Tuesday 21 July 2026."
"We are also issuing an image of the belongings left behind - if these are yours or know who they belong to, please come forward. We just want to make sure the swimmer is safe and well."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dorset Police online or by dialling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260111190. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
