WATCH: Airsearch, RNLI, Fire Service and Police hunt ‘missing swimmer’

Friday 09 March 2018

Emergency authorities scanned the land and sea after a swimmer was reported missing yesterday - but Police have now confirmed this was a "false alarm."

The Channel Islands Air Search aircraft, Air Search One, was called out to St Brelade’s Bay to support Police in their hunt for a missing swimmer around 09:30 on Thursday.

A member of the public had said they saw two swimmers enter the water at 09:10, but that only one returned afterwards. 

The RNLI’s St. Helier Inshore Lifeboats and the Fire and Rescue Service, were also sent to the area, where they battled weather conditions described as “rough” by Search Director Jason Hobbs. They assisted Air Search One with the hunt, moving in southerly west to east pattern.

Video: The St. Helier Inshore Lifeboat being sent to the scene. (RNLI)

But CIAS said that there was “nothing to report” following their aerial survey of the area.

Both parties were stood down shortly after 11:00, but sent back to the area after Police received further information. After a search lasting around 90minutes, a car with keys and clothing inside were identified in the nearby car park. The owner was located by midday, leading to all involved being stood down for a second time.

No one was found, however, with CIAS Chief Officer John Fitzgerald stating: “Had a swimmer been on the surface then they would have been easily seen.”

Pictured: St. Brelade's Bay, where the swimmer was reported missing.

CIAS returned to Guernsey at 12:40, while the Police began an inland search.

Police have now confirmed that the incident was a "false alarm." They told Express that it was raised by a "well-meaning" member of the public, and that there was no further cause for concern.

Lead photo: Air Search One (Jon Le Ray)