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Tributes to missing firefighter
A SERVING member of the UK Fire Service was reported missing while taking part in an English Channel charity swim.
Fortytwoyearold Iain Hughes, a member of Wednesbury fire station, West Midlands, started the charity swim on the morning of Tuesday, June 20. Despite being accompanied by a support boat he was reported missing later that day.
An extensive search for the lost swimmer was launched including helicopters from both France and Belgium, but it was later confirmed the search had been called off.
The married dad of two was aiming to raise money for numerous charities which included the British Heart Foundation, Firefighters Charity, and Midlands Air Ambulance.
His heartbroken colleagues at West Midlands Fire Service posted a message on Twitter:
‘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 (June 20), 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 highlyrespected and muchloved colleague and friend to many.”
Iain, whose 43rd birthday falls next month (July), had trained for nearly two years for his crossChannel charity swim.
Married with two children, he was 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.
