Dorset Police release images of wetsuit and swim gear to identify man found dead off Sandbanks

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

Dorset Police and the coastguard received a call at 8.38am on Wednesday after a man's body was spotted in the water near Sandbanks Quay in Poole, Dorset. The victim has not been identified; he is thought to have been in his 50s and was subsequently brought ashore. Detective Inspector Edmund Murray said nothing points to a suspicious death, but investigators have so far been unable to establish who the man was. He was wearing a full wetsuit, black swim leggings, a navy blue Adidas T-shirt with red writing, grey Speedo goggles and black swimming shoes. Police have released photographs of the clothing and equipment in a public appeal to name him.

White, approximately 5ft 8in tall, with a medium to stocky build, short brown hair and facial stubble but no beard.

Det Insp Murray urged anyone who recognises the man to contact Dorset Police 'immediately', quoting reference number 55260157164.

Sandbanks, where the body was found, ranks among Britain's most exclusive addresses, with typical property prices close to £1 million.