- Firefighter’s Body Found After English Channel Charity Swim
- Family Expresses Grief Over Tragic Loss
- Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Respected Firefighter
The 42-year-old father of two left the coast of Kent accompanied by a support boat on the morning of 20 June, but went missing later that day in French waters, prompting a massive search.
The corpse of a firefighter who went missing while attempting to swim the English Channel for charity has been discovered.
Iain Hughes, crew commander at the Wednesbury fire station in the West Midlands, left the coast of Kent on the morning of 20 June accompanied by a support boat but was reported missing in French waters later that day.
The disappearance of the 42-year-old father of two prompted a massive search by French and Belgian authorities, which was subsequently terminated.
The West Midlands Fire Service confirmed Mr. Hughes as the swimmer’s corpse located off Belgium’s shore.
In a statement released by the fire department, Mr. Hughes’ family expressed that they “miss him more than words could ever express.”
They said, “Iain’s disappearance devastated our lives. He was our universe. It was excruciating to hear that his body had been discovered. It remains so. We miss him more than we could ever express.
“We are proud of Iain for a multitude of reasons.
“He devoted his entire being to training for the swim. But that was typical of Iain: he was determined to help and support others.”
Mr. Hughes was attempting to raise $21,000 for the British Heart Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity, and the Midlands Air Ambulance by swimming 1,000 yards per mile.
To date, he has raised more than £56,000, which is a significant amount more than the goal.
‘Heartbreaking’
“It is wonderful to see how much money has been raised for Mr. Hughes’ three charities, but it is heartbreaking that he will never know the complete amount”.
Thank you to everyone who has donated and continues to fundraise.
We also want to thank our supporters.
The photo we are releasing captures the essence of the beloved Iain.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff
Wayne Brown, chief fire officer of the West Midlands Fire Service, stated that it is “devastating news” and that “Iain’s family is foremost in our minds at this distressing time.”
He added, “I know that Iain’s disappearance has affected many individuals.
“We have been moved by the hundreds of thoughtful messages we have received, as well as the overwhelming response to Iain’s fundraising page. Thank you very much.”
The West Midlands Fire Service will fly flags at half-staff until sunset on Friday to honour Mr. Hughes.
At the age of 19, he joined West Midlands Fire Service in 1999.
