A search is continuing for a paddleboarder who has gone missing in the Lake District.
Cumbria emergency services are looking for a paddleboarder who has been missing for many days.
On Sunday, August 7, a guy from Greater Manchester got into trouble on Ullswater after he slipped into the lake just after 1pm.
He went off his board near Aira Point, near the ferry terminal. When the emergency services were unable to locate him, a friend notified them.
Several emergency agencies in the area have been involved in the search for the paddleboarder, including Cumbria Police, the coastguard, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, and the North West Underwater Search Team.
The man, in his mid-20s, has been gone for five days and is unaccounted for.
The North West Underwater Search Team has reduced the search area to approximately Norfolk Island, which is roughly 1.5 miles south of where he was paddleboarding.
A spokesperson from Patterdale Mountain Rescue said: “On Sunday at around 1pm, the team were called out regards a missing paddleboarder on Ullswater, last seen in the middle of the Lake on the South side of the Lake.
“The incident was a multi agency response and the team worked together with the Police, Coastguard, Cumbria Fire and Rescue, NWAS, LDNPA and Maryport inshore rescue, to try and locate the male.
“The search involved numerous rescue boats and shore based swift water rescue technicians as well as a coastguard helicopter.
Sonar equipment has been sent in to assist search crews. This works by utilising sound to identify submerged items.
“Unfortunately, the missing paddleboarder was not located and the initial rescue search phase was stood down at around 5pm. This incident involved 21 Patterdale Team members. Cumbria Police are coordinating further ongoing search efforts,” they said.
Meanwhile emergency services have warned Cumbrian sunseekers to be careful when entering the water during the heatwave over the next few days.
Cumbria Police have warned that cold water shock is deadly and have warned wild swimmers and water sports loves to be careful.
The RNLI have also issued advice during the heatwave saying: “Going for a swim in cold, open water can be exhilarating, but it’s not without risk.
So if it’s your first-time open water swimming or cold water dipping, it’s important to speak to a health care professional to discuss the risks of cold water immersion before you go.
“Always arrange to go with a buddy. Open water swimming is much more fun with someone else, and you can look out for each other.”
Cumbria Police say the man’s family has been notified and is being assisted by expert personnel.
A former British Military Officer, Eddie went on to study History and then Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University. A keen outdoorsman, he has co-written several books on Outdoor Survival and Wild Camping. Now living in Penrith, Ed is a keen fellrunner.
