Man who fell from boat in Poole harbour named as David Haw, 24, as search continues

A major search is continuing in Dorset after a man fell overboard from a boat in Poole Harbour.

The alarm was raised at 2am on Monday, May 2. Two lifeboats were immediately launched with assistance from police and the Coastguard helicopter.

The missing man has been named as 24-year-old David Haw who was reported to have fallen off a RIB.

The search has focused on the main channel between Parkstone and Brownsea Island.

Throughout Monday officers assisted HM Coastguard with searches.

David is described as white, five feet ten inches tall, of slim build, with short mousey brown hair that is shaved at the sides and back, but longer on top.

He also has a short beard and bushy eyebrows.

Chief Inspector Darren Harris, of Dorset Police, said: “A coordinated multi-agency search and rescue effort has been going on since the initial report of David’s disappearance.

“Police, the coastguard, the RNLI and volunteers from DorSAR have been searching extensively in the harbour and surrounding areas. We will continue with our efforts to find David.

“If anyone has seen David, or a man matching his description, since he has gone missing or has any information that might assist our search, please contact us urgently.”

HM Coastguard has issued the following statement:

"An extensive search is being carried out after a report was received by HM Coastguard of a person falling overboard from a boat in Poole Harbour.

"The call came in just before 2.15am today (2 May).

"Poole, Southbourne and Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Teams, two Poole RNLI lifeboats, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and Dorset Police are all involved in the search."

An incident team has set up at Parkstone Sailing Club, where a regatta, planned for Sunday afternoon, was cancelled.