Student, 18, reveals how he helped save girl in Bournemouth beach tragedy

A TEENAGER has told how he helped save a girl caught up in the Bournemouth beach horror.

Mackenzie Creech, 18, and a pal dived into the sea from a pier when screams and shouts alerted them to a youngster in difficulty in the water.

The pair dragged her back to the sand where paramedics started to give her CPR.

Mackenzie said: “It didn’t look good."

His dad Rob, of Tilehurst, Berks, said: “I’m immensely proud of him. What he did was amazing."

Another girl, from Bucks, died along with a boy, 17, from Southampton.

It is believed they were among ten youngsters who were overcome by waves caused by a passing boat.

Police have impounded pleasure cruiser Dorset Belle, which operates hourly tours around the bay from the Victorian pier at Poole Harbour.

It emerged yesterday that the 78ft cruiser was not licensed by the local authority.

Passengers on board at the time of Wednesday’s tragedy, meanwhile, said they had no idea why the beach suddenly emptied.

Luke Owen said: “Everyone was just staring. At first I’m thinking it was a shark attack. To me, it sounds like a terrible tragedy.

“It was said quite a few times about the rip tides the day before.”

Yesterday the RNLI placed a large “Danger” banner next to the pier.

And local MP Tobias Ellwood blasted police for failing to release information to stop “wild speculation” over the tragedy.

He said parents concerned about going to sections of the beach needed answers.

A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released while inquiries continue.