Last picture of tragic boat pair

Jul 25 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

HAPPY and smiling, tragic friends Richard Perry and Heather Harris haven't a care in the world as they soak up the holiday sunshine on their boat.

But just minutes after this poignant photograph was taken, Richard, aged 28, from Brierley Hill, and bikini-clad 20-year-old Heather, from Stourbridge, were lost at sea.

Tragedy struck off the Isle of Wight exactly a week ago as Richard, of Victoria Street, and Heather, of Woodfield Avenue, Wollescote, enjoyed a trip on board a 20ft Humber Rigid Inflatable Boat, with a 75 horsepower Mariner engine.

The couple were seen by crew members on board the warship HMS Severn, anchored at Sandown Bay.

After that it is believed they returned towards the beach at Whitecliff, but they were not seen again.

The body of Mr Perry was recovered by the Coastguard helicopter at 3.30 pm last Wednesday, about two hours after the boat was taken out from Bembridge Harbour to Whitecliff Bay.

But a week on the body of Heather has still not been recovered and police said it could be weeks before she was washed ashore.

Police investigating the tragic boat accident today released the photograph, taken by other members of the holiday party - Heather's father Nick Harris, his partner Diane Moore and Heather's boyfriend.

Officers are hoping the photograph will bring forward witnesses who saw the vessel on the water around Whitecliff Bay between 1.30pm and 2.30pm last Wednesday.

Pc Bob Chambers, from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Marine Support Unit, which is leading the investigation, said: "After this photo was taken the pair departed to look at HMS Severn.

"They were seen by crew members on board the ship and after that it is believed they returned towards the beach at Whitecliff.

"They were not seen again. We are treating this as a tragic accident, but need the help of the public to help us piece together the missing minutes between the last sighting and when the boat was found empty.

"We urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us. We would also appreciate vigilance by anyone walking along the coastline in this area and ask them to report any findings to us," he added.

A post mortem examination on Mr Perry showed he died from drowning and an inquest has been opened and adjourned by Isle of Wight deputy assistant coroner Richard Henshaw. Toxicology tests are being carried out and the results are being awaited.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Marine Support Unit on 02380 236753.