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Inquest into Death of Llanelli Police Officer Reveals Circumstances Surrounding Drowning
An inquest into the death of South Wales Police constable Rehaan Akhtar has revealed that he drowned after falling into Bristol Harbour during a night out. The officer, aged 28 and originally from Llanelli, went missing in the early hours of November 23, 2023, while out with friends.
According to the findings presented at Avon Coroner’s Court, Mr Akhtar had consumed a significant amount of alcohol during the evening. His friend, Corey Griffiths, reported that the group started drinking in the afternoon, ultimately consuming approximately eight pints of lager, two cocktails, and a Jagerbomb at several pubs and bars in Bristol.
Mr Griffiths stated that he and Mr Akhtar returned to their hostel, while three other friends remained to get food. As they walked over a bridge, Mr Griffiths recalled using his phone but did not notice Mr Akhtar’s absence until he attempted to check into the hostel alone.
The following morning, divers located Mr Akhtar’s body in Bristol Harbour. A post-mortem examination confirmed he died from drowning, with toxicology tests indicating a blood alcohol level of 260mg per 100ml, three times the drink-driving limit. Pathologist Dr Karin Denton explained that this level of intoxication would have likely impaired Mr Akhtar’s speech and coordination.
The investigation by police found no evidence of third-party involvement in his death. CCTV footage indicated a person matching Mr Akhtar’s description falling into the water from a jetty near the Arnolfini arts centre.
Dr Peter Harrowing, area coroner for Avon, ruled the death as accidental, noting the alcohol consumption and the possibility that Mr Akhtar had become disoriented leading to his fall into the harbour. Despite discussions about water safety enhancements in the area, no formal prevention of future deaths report was issued. David Lockwood, the Bristol harbour master, stated improvements have been made to safety measures, including better signage and rescue equipment.
Mr Akhtar served with South Wales Police, initially as a police community support officer (PCSO) in Cardiff before becoming a police constable in Swansea in September 2023. His funeral in Llanelli attracted hundreds of mourners, including many police officers, reflecting the esteem in which he was held.
Following the inquest, Mr Akhtar’s sisters expressed concerns about the lack of stringent safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. They highlighted the effectiveness of safety barriers at Swansea Marina in reducing incidents of similar nature.
Authorities are urged to consider further safety implementations in light of these tragic events to safeguard others in recreational areas near water.
