The CS&PF committee have to report that the search for Iain has now been called off by the authorities and the French Coastguards have released a statement that Iain could not be found after the search.

Our thoughts are with Iain’s wife and family at this difficult time.

Iain was 42 years old, married and a father of two. He was a fire fighter at Wednesbury Fire Station in the West Midlands.

The CS&PF committee can confirm that on Tuesday afternoon Iain’s escort vessel reported to the French and British marine authorities that he went “missing at sea” while in the North East shipping lane and French waters. Iain did not vere away from the vessel and was close to the stern. The French authorities actioned a extensive search program to assist the escort vessel in their search but unfortunately Iain was not found. After a long search by helicopters, patrol boats and numerous other marine vessels, without success, the search was called off late Tuesday and the escort vessel returned to Dover.

There is extensive news coverage and information on the internet and in the press that has the details of Iain’s dedication to the preparation for his Channel Swim attempt and his wishes to raise finance for his chosen charities, The British Heart Foundation, Midlands air Ambulance and the fire Fighters Charity.