A British holidaymaker has been reported missing in Bulgaria after getting into trouble while swimming in the Black Sea.
Ethan McKen, 24, and a friend, who were staying at the Sunny Beach holiday resort near the town of Burgas, were hit by a wave while swimming on Saturday morning, according to reports. McKen was not able to reach the shore and friends were unable to rescue him.
A spokesman for tour operator Thomas Cook confirmed another member of the group had also gone for a swim but managed to get to safety and was now recovering in a local medical centre. McKen, a teacher from Nottingham, had arrived in the country on Saturday in a group of five tourists.
His family have been informed.
A spokesman for Club 18-30, which is run by Thomas Cook, said: “The health and safety of all our customers is paramount. We are very concerned by the disappearance of one of our customers in Bulgaria after they took a morning swim in the sea in Sunny Beach resort.
“Club 18-30 reps in the resort are offering every support to the other members of the party. We are liaising closely with the British embassy and the local authorities as the search effort continues, and can confirm the local police are stopping anyone entering the water at present while this continues.
“Club 18-30’s parent company Thomas Cook is liaising closely with the missing person’s family in the UK, and is arranging for relatives to travel to Bulgaria at the first available opportunity.
“We remain committed to offering the missing person’s friends and family every assistance at this worrying time.”
The resort on the Black Sea coast is described in brochures as being “lively”, with various water sports on offer during the day and a vibrant night life.
Burgas also boasts an amusement park, a water park and zoo.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “A British national has been reported missing in Bulgaria. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”
