Authorities have recovered the body of a “much-loved” firefighter who went missing as he tried to swim the English Channel.
Iain Hughes, 42, a crew manager at Wednesbury fire station in the West Midlands, set off from the Kent coast with a support vessel on June 20 this year bound for France.
But he went missing as he entered French waters, sparking a frenzied search backed by international authorities.
French and Belgian officials extensively combed the area but failed to discover any trace of the dad-of-two and eventually called off the operation.
West Midlands Fire Service announced today that the body of a swimmer discovered off the Belgian coast was formally identified as Mr Hughes.
The fire service issued a joint statement this afternoon alongside the late swimmer’s family.
Family members spoke of how their lives “were shattered” when he went missing.
The statement added: “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.”
Mr Hughes was an active charity fundraiser who aimed to raise £1,000 for each mile of his swim across the channel.
He had planned to donate the £21,000 to three charities; the British Heart Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Midlands Air Ambulance.
His disappearance led to a surge in support, and the fundraiser has now received £56,000 in donations.
The family statement added: “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 is 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.”
