An inquest has opened into the death of a ‘selfless’ hero who drowned trying to save a number of children from a ferocious riptide.
Callum Baker-Osborne (18) was swept away in front of his family after he lifted his nieces, nephews and nephews into a boat rescue boat.
A group of thirteen youngsters were playing in relatively shallow waters near Black Bridge at Rockley Point in Poole Harbour (Dorset) when they were swept away by the swiftly flowing tide at around 4pm on Monday July 26.
Callum was also rescued from the water, and a major multi-agency operation was launched to search for him.
Tragically, Callum’s body was found in the water at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, Poole, on the morning of July 30.
Callum Baker-Osborne (18) was swept away in front of his family after he lifted his nieces and nephews into the rescue boat.
Callum was located by a huge air and sea search that involved coastguard personnel, RNLI lifeboats (pictured), RNLI police divers, Royal Marines, local boat owners, and people on jet-skis.
Callum, a Warwickshire native, was on holiday at a nearby caravan park with his family.
Brendan Allen, coroner for Dorset, opened the inquest into Callum’s death at Bournemouth Town Hall.
Philippa Morgan, coroner’s officer, said: ‘Callum and his family were on holiday in Dorset and on July 26 this year a number of people were swimming in Rockley Park, Poole.
Brendan Allen, coroner for Dorset, opened the inquest into Callum’s death at Bournemouth Town Hall
“Some young swimmers were in trouble and Callum went in and tried to help them.
“All other swimmers were safely brought to shore, but Callum couldn’t be found.
“A search was made and he was found dead at Lake Pier in Poole on July 30, 2012.
“Police have confirmed that there is no suspicious circumstance.”
The Coventry family had been enjoying the first days of their holiday at a nearby campsite. Pictured: Aerial view of Rockley Park in Poole
A post-mortem was performed and Dr Robert Blahut gave a medical cause for drowning.
The inquest was rescheduled for February 2, 2022 by Mr Allen.
Following Callum’s death, his mother Ann Marie Osborne said in tribute: ‘It’s incredible but that sums up Callum, that’s what he did.
“He put others before himself on a daily basis, he simply enjoyed helping people.
‘Callum was the kind of boy who didn’t hesitate to help anybody.
Tragically, Callum’s body was found in the water at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, Poole, on the morning of July 30
The incident took place in Dorset’s famous stretch of water that is known for its rip tides
‘If he saw anyone needing help, be it carrying bags or anything else, he’d be there.
“We have an old man with a walking sticks who walks around near our house. He is a veteran.
Callum said, “One cold, without being asked, Callum snatched a hat, gloves, and a coat and handed them over to me.”
‘That’s the kind of person that Callum was, his heart was so big and we miss him dearly.’