A “determined” firefighter’s body washed up on the shore of Belgium weeks after vanishing on a charity swim across the English Channel.
Iain Hughes, 42, a crew manager at West Midlands Fire Service, disappeared in French waters after pushing off from the Kent coast on the morning of June 20 accompanied by a support boat.
A desperate search involving French and Belgian military helicopters, plus navy and police patrol boats, was launched but was called off.
The father-of-two’s body washed up on Belgium shores with his firefighter colleagues announcing Mr Hughes had been formally identified and repatriated to the UK on Friday.
Paying tribute, 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.”
He has managed to raise over £50,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity, British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.
The married firefighter, who had trained for nearly two years, had complained about stormy conditions on the Kent coastline days before setting off on his endeavour.
Wayne Brown, West Midland’s Chief Fire Officer, 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.”
A book of condolence can be signed here.
