‘No chance’ missing Bristol student fell into river, says former harbourmaster

A former harbourmaster has said there is “no chance whatsoever” that a Bristol student, who has missing for over two years, fell into the river.

Jack O’Sullivan was last seen leaving a party in Hotwells in the early hours of 2nd March 2024.

Following Jack’s disappearance, it was assumed by many people, including the police, that he fell into the water, walking along Bennett Way slip road.

CCTV captured Jack unsuccessfully attempting to hail a taxi, with police reporting his last likely sighting at 3.38am.

The 22-year-old was studying a law conversion course in Bristol and living at home with his family.

Former deputy harbourmaster, Mike Ferguson, speaking about the case for the first time, has told Jack’s family it is impossible he could have entered the river and not been found.

via SWNS

When asked about the likelihood that Jack entered the water on 2nd March, Mike Ferguson said: “If I’m being honest, no, none whatsoever.”

Mike Ferguson served as deputy harbourmaster for eight years, during which he was responsible for the search and recovery of bodies in Bristol’s waterways.

He said any bodies washed around the Avon tend to become caught at “seven well-known points between Avonmouth and Hanham.”

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He added: “I think every body that we’ve ever found that hasn’t been floating or hasn’t been under the water has been found in one of these catchment points.”

Avon and Somerset Police detectives say they have reviewed all third-party submissions of evidence and “fed this into [their] inquiries.”

Jack’s mother, Catherine O’Sullivan, said: ‘The narrative was set very early on by the police, in our opinion.

“The attention has always [been based] around the harbour, but when you have a piece of information that categorically tells you that’s not possible, then that’s really important for people to understand.”

She said Mike Ferguson’s report had given the family a renewed focus.

“We do our best, because anything else, for us, we’d be giving up on Jack and we’re not prepared to do that,” she added.

If you have been affected by the content of this article, you can contact the University of Bristol Student Wellbeing Service or UWE Bristol Wellbeing Service for confidential support and guidance. You can also reach out to Bristol SU Nightline for listening support during the evening and night-time hours.

Alternatively, you can contact the Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123, or contact Shout, a 24/7 text messaging service, by texting the word “Shout” to 85258.

Mind offers advice and support for anyone struggling with mental health. You can contact them on 0300 123 3393 or visit their website for further information.

Featured image via SWNS