Major search for two swimmers ‘in distress’ stood down
Police and the RNLI launched a major search after two swimmers were reported to be ‘in distress’ off the coast of Devon.
The two swimmers were seen in the water at West Hoe, Plymouth, at around 6pm on Monday evening.
Devon and Cornwall Police say they stood the search down yesterday evening after emergency services, including HM Coastguard and Plymouth RNLI, didn’t find anyone in distress or signs of concern.
The force said: ‘There have been no further reports of concern for an individual’s welfare or reports of missing people in the area raised to police.
‘Emergency service searches did not locate anyone in distress or signs of concern and searches were stood down later in the evening.
‘We take all reports of this nature seriously and work with other emergency response agencies to explore all search opportunities and enquiries.’
Police said it was possible that the two swimmers returned to dry land and have no idea about the reports made about them last night.
Inspector Roger Hocking said on Monday evening: ‘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.
‘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.’
A HM Coastguard spokesman added: ‘HM Coastguard has been coordinating the response to reports of swimmers in difficulty in Plymouth Hoe toady (July 1).
‘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.’
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