WEST Midlands Fire Service has confirmed the body of a swimmer found in waters off Belgium is that of its missing crew manager Iain Hughes, who disappeared while attempting a charity swim across the English Channel.

Belgian authorities informed UK counterparts of the discovery, the fire service said today (Friday).

A spokesperson for the service said: “The body has now been returned to the UK and, regrettably, formally identified to be that of Iain.

“Iain's family have been informed. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers, and are continuing to give them all possible support.”

Iain, aged 42, who was crew manager of the service’s technical rescue unit based in Wednesbury but had worked at fire stations across the Black Country, went missing hours into a solo swim across the Channel to raise funds for the Firefighters' Charity, Midlands Air Ambulance and The British Heart Foundation.

A major search and rescue effort got underway after the father-of-two, who had been accompanied by a support boat, went missing on June 20 but sadly he could not be located and the search was called off on June 21.

Since his tragic disappearance more than £56,000 has been raised for Iain's chosen charities.

The family said their lives were “shattered when Iain went missing” and they said in a statement today: “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.”

Chief fire officer Wayne Brown said it had been “devastating” to have the sad news now confirmed.

He said: “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.”

A book of condolence has been opened on the fire service website and as a mark of respect to Iain flags at West Midlands Fire Service sites will fly at half-mast until sunset today (Friday July 28).