A man who entered the sea off the Kent coast in bitter conditions and failed to return remains missing eight days after a huge search operation was launched.
The 25-year-old entered the water at Princes Parade in Hythe shortly before 2pm last Tuesday, as temperatures dropped to just above freezing, but failed to return to shore.
Coastguards patrolling the area after reports of a man going missing in the sea between Hythe and Sandgate on January 7
Multiple agencies – including the coastguard, RNLI and police – launched a huge search operation.
But after more than 24 hours, the man was not found and the search was stood down at 4pm last Wednesday.
His family in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was notified by police of the deeply concerning circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Today, a force spokesperson confirmed the man – whose identity has not yet been disclosed – nor his body, had been located.
Multiple emergency service vehicles – including a helicopter, lifeboats, police and coastguard vehicles – were scrambled to the water near Princes Parade.
Emergency services were called to Hythe last Tuesday to search for the manCoastguard crews looking out to sea at Hythe amid a major search operation for a missing man
Five coastguard teams from nearby areas such as Deal and Folkestone were called to assist – with spotlight searches continuing throughout the night.
Police revealed last the individual entered the water shortly before 2pm on Tuesday and had not returned to shore.
About three RNLI lifeboats could be seen searching the coastline throughout Tuesday afternoon with the assistance of a helicopter.
The man’s family in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was notified of the concerning circumstances surrounding his disappearanceEmergency services were called to Hythe after a man was reported missing
Speaking from the scene, an eyewitness told KentOnline: “I heard a helicopter flying low, came outside and multiple agencies can be seen on land, in the sea and air, searching the bay between Hythe and Sandgate.
“Various people have stopped to watch.”