#coastguard – A massive search is underway for a missing swimmer in the Ravenglass estuary.

Liverpool Coastguard took a 999 call from a member of the public just after 9am this morning. They reported seeing a man up to his chest in the water and then attempt to swim across the estuary. He soon disappeared from view but his dog made it back to shore and was barking for his owner.

The Millom and Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley, the St Bees RNLI inshore lifeboat, the Haverigg inshore rescue boat, along with Cumbria Fire and Rescue, Cumbria Police and North West Ambulance Service have been sent to the scene.

Paul Parkes, Watch Manager at Liverpool Coastguard, said:

"We are currently coordinating a large-scale search and doing all we can to find this missing man.

"If anyone was in the area earlier this morning and has information on this swimmer, please call Liverpool Coastguard on 01519 313341