Search called off as firefighter goes missing while swimming through English Channel | British News
The search for a firefighter who disappeared in the water while swimming in the English Channel for charity has been called off.
Crew leader Iain Hughes, who is stationed at Wednesbury station of the West Midlands Fire Service, launched his attempt to cross the English Channel yesterday morning.
The 42-year-old father of two raised money for The Fire Fighters Charity, the British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.
In a statement on its website, the fire service said Iain’s colleagues learned Tuesday night that he was missing.
French and Belgian military helicopters, as well as naval and police patrol boats, were dispatched to find him, but have since returned to their stations.
Wayne Brown, WMFS Chief Fire Officer, said: “Iain’s passing is unspeakably sad.” We offer all our support to Iain’s family at this difficult time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone close to Iain.
“For many, he is a highly valued and popular colleague and friend.”
The service said he joined when he was 19 and worked at nine different stations before joining the Technical Rescue Unit last year.
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