Search called off for missing Black Country firefighter doing charity swim in English Channel
The search for a Black Country firefighter missing in the water amid an English Channel swim for charity has been called off, West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed.
Crew manager Iain Hughes, based at Wednesbury station as part of the technical rescue unit, began his attempt on Tuesday. He was reported missing later that day and had been accompanied by a support boat.
French and Belgian military helicopters led a search for Mr Hughes alongside navy and police patrol boats but French authorities have now called off the search.
Mr Hughes, who is from Dudley, has been described as "a highly-respected and much-loved colleague and friend".
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.”
Iain, whose 43rd birthday falls next month, has been training for nearly two years for his cross-Channel charity swim.
Married with two children, he has been raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity, British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.
Iain joined West Midlands Fire Service in 1999, at the age of 19.
He was posted to Bournbrook fire station, and later served at Billesley, Tipton, Wolverhampton, Tettenhall, Bilston, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge. He was promoted to crew manager in 2016 and joined the technical rescue unit in 2022.
The fire service added: "Could we please ask that the privacy of Iain and his family is respected during this very challenging time."
Mr Hughes has already raised more than £10,000 for the chosen charities.
