The water was searched after Rehaan Akhtar went missing after a night out in the city
Rehaan Akhtar who died in Bristol Harbour.
An inquest into the death of a police officer who drowned in Bristol Harbour is set to begin this week.
The body of PC Rehaan Akhtar, 28, was recovered from the water on Monday, November 24 after he had gone missing during a night out in the city centre.
PC Akhtar was last seen at around 1.05am by the Harbourside the day prior. He was a constable with South Wales Police, having joined the force as a police community support officer (PCSO) in Cardiff in 2021.
An inquest was opened at Avon Coroners’ Court on December 4, where PC Akhtar’s provisional cause of death was given as drowning. A full inquest has been scheduled at the same court tomorrow (Tuesday, May 12).
Tributes were paid to the officer from Rehaan’s loved ones, as well as colleagues and his sports teams. South Wales Police Federation paid tribute, with secretary Mike George commenting: “We are extremely saddened to hear news of Rehaan’s death.
“He was a young, passionate and enthusiastic officer, whose death will be felt by so many friends and colleagues who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult and tragic time.”
PC Akhtar’s funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners after tributes flooded in for the popular PC. Football teams in Wales also paid tribute to the talented sportsman, who played for Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley AFC.
His death has sparked fresh safety concerns for the harbour, with some calling for additional measures such as barriers to protect people from the water. At the time, Bristol City Council shared its sympathies to PC Ahktar’s family and friends and highlighted the need for caution next to the water particularly for those enjoying the city’s nightlife.
The council said there are already “several safety features already in place” but there are regular routine discussions about “how this can be improved whilst retaining the historic characteristic of the Harbour”.
“As Harbour Duty holder, I receive regular updates on water safety incidents and discuss how this can be improved whilst retaining the historic characteristic of the Harbour.
“The Harbour Committee also maintains an oversight of safety within the Harbour.
“There are several safety features already in place including life rings, throw lines, frequent emergency access points as well as signage warning of the water hazards.
“We will continue to work closely with Bristol Nights, Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) and emergency services to raise awareness on the risks around open water and to help keep people safe across the city centre.”