Huge search for firefighter missing during swim across Channel called off

21 June 2023 , 21:02

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Iain Hughes began his attempt yesterday but has now gone missing

A firefighter who was attempting a solo swim in the English Channel to raise money for charity has gone missing.

Iain Hughes, from Dudley, West Midlands, began his attempt yesterday morning, accompanied by a support boat, aiming to raise £21,000 for The British Heart Foundation, The Firefighters Charity and Midlands Air Ambulance.

West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that Mr Hughes, who is part of the Technical Rescue Unit at Wednesbury fire station, was reported missing yesterday evening.

Search efforts have involved French and Belgian military helicopters, as well as Navy and police patrol boats, but the firefighter's whereabouts remain unknown.

French authorities have confirmed the search has now ended, West Midlands Fire Service said.

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He had been training for nearly two years

In a statement, 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.

"In spite of search efforts involving French and Belgian military helicopters, plus navy and police patrol boats, Iain's whereabouts remain unknown."

Mr Hughes, who joined West Midlands Fire Service at the age of 19 in 1999, has been described by his colleagues as "highly-respected" and "much-loved".

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."

On his Just Giving page, Mr Hughes, 42, said the three charities represented £1,000 for each mile of the swim. At the time of writing, £5,700 has been raised.

Mr Hughes training with his support crew

On his Instagram page, the firefighter had been documenting his training before attempting the Channel swim.

His last post, on June 2, shows him smiling as he swims with a friend in 12C water.

Another post published on the same day, which shows him swimming parallel to the coast, reads: "Stormy weather has prevented me from attempting the channel this week!

"Managed to get some training hours with my support crew."

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The English Channel crossing is 21 miles (34km) and can take swimmers anywhere between seven and 27 hours to complete.

The Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CS&PF), which monitors swimmers in the channel, announced with "deep regret" Mr Hughes could not be found after a sea search.

The Mirror has contacted the RNLI, Kent Police and HM Coastguard for comment.

Chiara Fiorillo