Who is Iain Hughes? Swimmer missing in the channel
IAIN Hughes is a firefighter who has gone missing while attempting to swim across the English Channel for charity.
The 42-year-old had set off from Dover on June 20, 2023 along with a support boat before he disappeared.
Who is Iain Hughes?
Iain comes from Dudley in the West Midlands and has been with the fire service since he was 19.
He is based at the Wednesbury fire station and is part of its technical rescue unit.
West Midlands Fire Service said in a statement: “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.”
The statement added: “In spite of search efforts involving French and Belgian military helicopters, plus navy and police patrol boats, Iain’s whereabouts remain unknown.”
What charity was Iain Hughes swimming the channel for?
He has been hoping to raise significant funds for a number of charities.
Iain wants to raise £21,000 for the British Heart Foundation, Midlands Air Ambulance and the Fire Fighters’ Charity.
When did Iain Hughes go missing in the channel?
Iain started his charity swim from Dover on June 20, 2023 with a support boat.
He had posted on social media two weeks ago that the swim had been delayed due to bad weather.
The Gris-Nez operational surveillance and rescue centre (CROSS) was notified a swimmer had disappeared on Tuesday, off the Cap Gris-Nez, according to a BBC report.
It deployed helicopters from the French and Belgian navies, as well as a French Navy patrol boat, to join the search.
Chief fire officer Wayne Brown, described Iain’s disappearance as “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.”
Is Iain Hughes married and who is his wife?
Iain is married and is a father-of-two.
In his JustGiving page he described the amount of money he wanted to raise as “optimistic”.
He added: “Please donate and share my page with your family and friends… Thank you for your support.”
Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so here.