A South Wales police officer has been found dead in Bristol Harbour after disappearing during a night out with friends. PC Rehaan Akhtar’s body was recovered by divers two days after he was last seen near the city’s harbourside.
The 28-year-old from Llanelli failed to return to his accommodation in the early hours of Sunday, November 23. Police launched a search operation and recovered his body from the water at Narrow Quay at 10:39 AM on Monday, November 24.
Avon and Somerset Police are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious. An inquest has opened with drowning recorded as the provisional cause of death.
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The Night He Disappeared
Akhtar was out with friends in Bristol city centre on Saturday night. He was last seen at around 1:00 AM on Sunday near the Arnolfini art gallery, which sits beside Bristol Harbourside.
When he didn’t return to the hostel where he was staying, his friends raised the alarm. Police, fire crews, and specialist underwater search teams were deployed to the harbour.
Divers found his body in the water at Narrow Quay on Monday morning. PC Adam Rowland pronounced him dead at the scene. His mother, Fozia Akhtar, later provided formal identification.
A Dedicated Officer
Akhtar joined South Wales Police as a Police Community Support Officer in Cardiff in October 2021. He trained as a constable and moved to Swansea in September 2023, where he was based until his death.
Beyond policing, he was a first team footballer for Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley AFC in the West Wales Premier League. The club described him as a committed player known for his positivity and determination.
Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said: “I was shocked and saddened to learn of Rehaan’s passing. During his time with South Wales Police he served our communities with pride and professionalism as both a PCSO and a Police Officer. I know he was greatly respected and liked by his colleagues and those he met as part of his day-to-day duties.”
Inquest Opened
Assistant Coroner Debbie Rookes opened an inquest into Akhtar’s death at Avon Coroner’s Court on December 4. A post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of death as drowning.
The inquest has been adjourned until February 24, 2026. All statements and evidence must be submitted to the coroner’s court by January 5.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are preparing a file for the coroner. A specialist family liaison officer continues to support Akhtar’s family.
Growing Concerns About Harbour Safety
Akhtar’s death is the latest in a series of drownings at Bristol Harbour. Between 2014 and 2022, Avon Fire and Rescue Service recorded 13 accidental deaths in the water.
Just weeks after Akhtar’s body was recovered during the search near Bristol Harbour, another man, known only as Michael, was found dead at the same location.
Other recent victims include:
- Vincent Le Goascoz, 35, a teacher who died in December 2023 after a night out
- Jason Gurgul, 33, whose body was recovered near Welsh Back in 2017
- Lewis Ball, 26, found in the Floating Harbour in February 2017
- Joseph Omar, 23, who fell backwards into the water at Narrow Quay in 2021
Calls for Action
Local resident Emma Miller launched a petition on Change.org demanding Bristol City Council install safety measures at the harbour. The petition calls for railings along high-risk areas, clearer warning signs, and additional CCTV cameras.
“Over the past decade, Bristol’s vibrant harbour has witnessed multiple drownings, leaving families devastated and communities heartbroken,” the petition states. “Despite these tragic incidents, no substantial safety measures have been implemented to prevent further loss of life.”
Miller points to alcohol as a contributing factor in many incidents. The harbourside hosts numerous bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues, including Thekla nightclub, which is moored in the water.
Council Response
Bristol City Council says safety features already exist at the harbour, including life rings, throw lines, emergency access points, and warning signage.
“There are already several safety features in place but there are regular routine discussions about how this can be improved whilst retaining the historic characteristic of the Harbour,” a council spokesperson said.
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Harbour Committee, added: “This tragic incident is a stark reminder of how important it is to take extra care near the Harbourside, especially if you have been drinking or are on your own.”
The council works with Bristol Nights, the Bristol Business Improvement District, and emergency services on water safety campaigns. Posters around the city warn people to stay away from the water’s edge.
The Danger of Cold Water
Open water presents particular risks at night. Bristol Harbour remains cold throughout the year. When the body hits cold water, it triggers cold water shock, causing rapid changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Strong swimmers can lose muscle control within seconds. The RNLI advises anyone who falls in to lie back, keep airways clear, and control breathing before attempting to reach safety.
The Arnolfini, located where Akhtar was last seen, posts safety warnings on its website about the dangers of entering harbour waters. The venue emphasizes that the water is not suitable for swimming regardless of air temperature.
Tributes
Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley AFC paid tribute to their teammate. “It is with great sadness that we share the devastating news of the passing of Rehaan Akhtar,” the club said. “Rehaan was a committed first team player, a passionate footballer, and a valued presence both on and off the pitch. He was a friend to many.”
South Wales Police said Akhtar, badge number PC 8650, served with pride and professionalism. Colleagues remembered him as someone who was greatly respected by both officers and the public.
The inquest into PC Rehaan Akhtar’s death resumes February 24, 2026. Bristol City Council says discussions about improving harbour safety are ongoing. The petition calling for enhanced safety measures has gained hundreds of signatures from concerned residents.
