A BODY has been discovered of a missing firefighter who went missing while on a solo charity swim across the English Channel.
Iain Hughes, 42, set out on his “inspirational” solo attempt from Dover on June 20 with a support boat before going missing.
A major search expedition was undertaken to identify the father of two, but it was called off three days later.
It was announced today that a body discovered in the waters off the coast of Belgium is that of Iain.
In a statement, his family said: “Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.
“We are proud of Iain for so many reasons. He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain – determined to help and support others.
“It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total. Thank you to everyone who has donated and who are still raising money.
“We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.
“The photo we are releasing sums up the Iain we loved.
“We will not be giving media interviews and ask that our privacy be respected.
“Thank you.”
Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown said: “This is devastating news. Iain’s family are foremost in our thoughts at this distressing time, and we are giving them all possible support.
“I know that many people have been affected by Iain’s disappearance. We, in turn, have been touched by the hundreds of kind messages we have received, and the overwhelming response to Iain’s fundraising page. Thank you.”
As a mark of respect to Iain, flags at West Midlands Fire Service sites will fly at half-mast until sunset today.
He had been undertaking the feat to try and raise £21,000 for the British Heart Foundation, Midlands Air Ambulance and the Fire Fighters’ Charity.
Iain posted on social media two weeks before setting off that the swim had been delayed due to bad weather.
Iain, who has a wife and two children, has been with the fire service since he was 19 and currently works in its technical rescue unit and is based at the Wednesbury Fire Station.
The Channel crossing is 21 miles and can take swimmers anywhere between seven and 27 hours to complete.
