The fireman who vanished in the English Channel during a charity swim shared a chilling final social media post showing himself in the water.
Iain Hughes spent nearly two years training for his cross-Channel swim and began his attempt yesterday.
But tragically, West Midlands Fire Service said he has since gone missing and French authorities halted the search after a few hours.
During his attempt to raise £21,000 for The British Heart Foundation, The Firefighters Charity and Midlands Air Ambulance, the 42-year-old vanished.
Iain documented his extensive training for his charity swim on Instagram.
His final post was shared just weeks before he disappeared in which he can be seen grinning as he took to the water with a friend.
He wrote: “Support crew @clemo11 enjoying an hour swim in 12 degrees”.
West Midlands Fire Service, of which Iain was a part of the Technical Rescue Unit at Wednesbury station, confirmed that he had been reported missing yesterday evening.
Search efforts have involved French and Belgian military helicopters, as well as Navy and police patrol boats, but the firefighter's whereabouts remain unknown.
Authorities have since called off the hunt.
Iain joined the fire service in 1999, aged just 19 and served over two decades.
In a statement, they said: “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 (20 June), 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 highly-respected and much-loved colleague and friend to many.”
On his fundraiser Iain called his target of £21,000 (£1,000 for every mile he intended to swim) “very optimistic” but it's well on its way to smashing that target with almost £16,500 already raised.
In messages alongside donations, people paid tribute to him.
One donor wrote: “A sad end to what should have been a wonderful achievement swimming the channel. May you rest in peace. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues.”
Another said: “Amazing selfless person doing good raising funds for 3 amazing charities its so sad to hear that Iain is missing, my thoughts are with this family colleagues and friends.”
Meanwhile, tributes poured in from close friends and loved ones.
Greg Morgan, who said Iain was a “lifelong friend”, wrote: “This one has hit me for six. I heard this news last night and didn't want to believe it, I prayed that it was not true, but it was confirmed today.
“A life long friend, my brothers friend, my friend. This man gave me the opportunity to learn about becoming a firefighter and got in the job because of his help and guidance.
“I'm gutted beyond words. A true champion in all sense of the word. You will be sorely missed mate. My heart is broken, for his family, friends, colleagues and all that knew him.
“Rest In Peace Hughesy.”
Shelley Taylor-Smith called Iain “one of our finest”.
She added: “The one you can count on, that you KNOW always has your back… taken way too soon.
“I know it’s heartbreaking and believe me I have said “WTF?” too.
“We may never know why… however at this time, lets put our opinions aside and lift up this mighty serviceman, his family, his fellow firefighters …”
