Body found in water off Sandbanks as cops release images of wetsuit to identify swimmer

A body has been found in the water off Poole as police release images of a wetsuit to help identify the swimmer.

Emergency services attended Sandbanks Quay at around 8.38am on Wednesday following reports of a man being sighted in the water.

Dorset Police said the body was recovered by the coastguard and the force's marine unit are appealing for the public's help in identifying the man.

He is described as white, around five feet eight inches tall, of medium to stocky build, unshaven with no beard and believed to be aged in his 50s with short brown hair.

The man was wearing a full wetsuit with black swim leggings and a navy blue Adidas T-shirt with red writing over the top of the wetsuit, according to the force. He also had grey Speedo goggles on his forehead and was wearing black swimming shoes.

A statement from the police read: "We are carrying out enquiries to identify a body found in the water off Poole and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

"Dorset Police received a report at 8.38am on Wednesday 7 October 2026 that the body of a man had been found in the area of Sandbanks Quay. The body was recovered by the coastguard and the Force’s marine unit.

"The man is described a white, around five feet eight inches tall, of medium to stocky build and believed to be aged in his 50s with short brown hair. He was unshaven but had no beard.

"He was wearing a full wetsuit with black swim leggings and a navy blue Adidas T-shirt with red writing over the top of the wetsuit. He also had grey Speedo goggles on his forehead and was wearing black swimming shoes."

Detective Inspector Edmund Murray, of BCP CID, said: “We are carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of this death and, while there is nothing to suggest it is suspicious at this time, we have not been able to identify the deceased despite extensive enquiries.

“We are therefore releasing a description of the man and images of the clothing he was found in and would urge anyone with information regarding this man’s identity to please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260157164.