A firefighter who was swimming the Channel for charity is missing in the water and a search for him has been called off, West Midlands fire service (WMFS) has said. Crew manager Iain Hughes, based at Wednesbury station as part of the technical rescue unit, began his attempt on Tuesday morning, but was reported missing that evening. 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.”