Yahoo News Huge search launched for 'two swimmers' in Devon
A significant emergency service response has been mobilised around Plymouth Hoe due to concerns for two swimmers believed to be in trouble. The coastguard, lifeboat crews, and police officers have been active in the area since 6pm today.
Witnesses reported seeing two individuals swimming at around 6pm, but there has been no sign of them since. The search operation this evening includes at least three lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter.
Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement, urging the two swimmers to get in touch. The statement read: "Officers were notified at around 6pm this evening [Monday 1 July] to a concern of welfare of two swimmers seen in the water at West Hoe, Plymouth. Police and the RNLI are assisting HM Coastguard in the search and resources are currently deployed in the vicinity."
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Inspector Roger Hocking made an appeal to the public, saying: "We are asking members of the public to contact us if they were in the vicinity of ASH Buoy (a green channel marker buoy) near the Waterside / Wet Wok eateries and saw anything that could assist us in our enquiries. We are keen to identify the two swimmers and ensure they are safe and well."
He added: "They could very well have returned to shore and would be unaware of the report made in good faith regarding their welfare. We have not received any reports of missing people in the area.", reports Plymouth Live.
The police have requested anyone with information to come forward, advising: "If you are able to provide any information please call us quoting log 699 01/07/24."
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard stated: "HM Coastguard has been coordinating the response to reports of swimmers in difficulty in Plymouth Hoe today (1 July). Alerted just after 6.15pm, Plymouth and Tamar coastguard rescue teams have been sent to the scene, in addition to the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, Plymouth All-Weather Lifeboat and Plymouth Inshore Lifeboat."
