A firefighter and dad has gone missing during a charity swim across the English Channel as a huge search operation has been launched.
Iain Hughes, 42, who trained for almost two years for his 'inspirational' cross-Channel charity swim, began the attempt on Tuesday (June 20) but has now gone missing and his whereabouts are unknown, West Midlands Fire Service said
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that Mr Hughes, who is part of the Technical Rescue Unit at Wednesbury fire station, had been missing for 'several hours' as of Tuesday evening.
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Search efforts have involved French and Belgian military helicopters, as well as Navy and police patrol boats, but the location of the dad-of-two remains unknown. French authorities have confirmed the search has now ended.
In a statement, the West Midlands Fire Service said: "We are heartbroken to confirm that one of our Crew Managers, Iain Hughes, is missing after his inspiring attempt to swim the English Channel for charity.
"Iain, based at Wednesbury fire station with our Technical Rescue Unit, began his attempt yesterday morning (20 June), accompanied by a support boat. Yesterday evening, we learned that Iain had been missing for several hours.
"In spite of search efforts involving French and Belgian military helicopters, plus navy and police patrol boats, Iain’s whereabouts remain unknown. French authorities have confirmed the search has now ended.
Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Brown, said: “Iain’s disappearance is unspeakably sad. We are giving Iain’s family all the support we can at this distressing time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone close to Iain. He is a highly-respected and much-loved colleague and friend to many.”
The firefighter was raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity, British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.
