Three men released on bail after death of Essex man who went missing from boat off Dorset coast
Dorset Police say enquires are continuing after the death of 35-year-old Michael Mitchell from Essex
Last updated 4th Jun 2026
Three men arrested on suspicion of the murder of a man who went missing from a sailing boat off the Dorset coast have been released on bail.
Police were alerted on Sunday (May 31) to the disappearance of Michael Mitchell, 35, from Chelmsford, Essex, who was reported to have gone into the water from a vessel in Arne Bay on Friday (May 29) evening.
On Tuesday (June 2) a man was found unresponsive in the water at Poole Harbour off the coast of Baiter Park.
The man was recovered from the water and confirmed to have died.
Police say while formal identification is yet to take place they believe it is Mr Mitchell, who was known to his family as Mitch.
Officers say his family are being kept informed throughout the investigation.
Three men – a 46-year-old from Poole, a 31-year-old of no fixed abode and a 22-year-old from Essex – who were arrested on suspicion of murder have now been released on bail.
Dorset Police said the arrests were made to assist the investigation in gathering information and also to provide legal protection to those involved as enquiries continue.
The force added that the arrested men are reported to be known to Michael Mitchell.
A forensic post mortem has been carried out but the man's cause of death has not yet been confirmed and police have said further detailed testing and analysis is required.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “Our detailed enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this death remain ongoing and we are continuing to keep Michael Mitchell’s family fully updated.
“I would again appeal for anyone with information that might assist our enquiries to please come forward, including anyone who had any contact with Mr Mitchell in the days leading up to Friday 29 May 2026.”
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Dorset Police.