Author’s Note: When I lecture abroad – or to visitors to the UK – I am often asked to define what it means to be ‘British’. My general response is that a British person may be of any number of ethnic origins due to the British Empire – but that we are united by one amazing, shining and inspiring attribute! What is this defining attribute? It is to possess the courage and ability to stand-up and stare insurmountable odds in the face with a deep inner strength – whilst retaining a surface flippancy and sense of humour! Nine times out of ten – as a people – this attitude has help us survive and overcome all kinds of difficulties! It is an identity of considerable maturity and depth. If we must fail – then we will fail splendidly! We know who we are and do not need flags or limited ideologies to tell us otherwise! I recognise and salute the bravery of Mr Iain Hughes – a man who did something positive for society! ACW (27.6.2023)
On Wednesday – the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation – which monitors swimmers in the Channel, issued the following ‘Official’ Report:
“The CSPF deeply regret to announce that a solo swimmer who was attempting a crossing of the English Channel on 20th June 2023, is being reported as missing in action. Following a sea search, the swimmer was unable to be found.”
The search for a firefighter who went missing in the Channel has been called off, West Midlands fire service (WMFS) has said.
Crew manager Iain Hughes, based at Wednesbury station, set off from the Kent coast on Tuesday morning on a charity swim but disappeared that evening in French waters. He was accompanied by a support boat when he began the effort.
French and Belgian military helicopters led a search for Hughes alongside navy and police patrol boats, but French authorities have now called off the search.
The WMFS 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.”
Hughes, 42, was aiming to raise £21,000 for the British Heart Foundation, Midlands Air Ambulance and Fire Fighters Charity. The Channel crossing is 21 miles, and Hughes was hoping to raise £1,000 for each mile of the swim.
According to his JustGiving page, he had raised more than £6,000 of a £21,000 target. Donations poured in on Wednesday after news of his disappearance spread, with many leaving messages of condolence on the site.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 