Search for a swimmer attempting to cross the English Channel from Dover

A major search is underway in the English Channel for someone attempting to swim from Dover to Calais unaccompanied.

A helicopter and rescue teams were dispatched to sea off Kent after the coast guard received a call from a member of the public saying a friend was trying to cross into France.

The 27-mile stretch between Dover and Calais is incredibly dangerous and is home to the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

A Coast Guard spokesperson said: ‘At around 12.10pm today, HM Coastguard received a call from a member of the public with information that his friend was swimming unaccompanied to Calais from Dover.

An RNLI lifeboat and a helicopter in the English Channel (stock image)

The fastest swim ever across the English Channel is just over seven hours and on the shortest route, measured at 21 miles, great care and planning must be carried out to avoid shipping containers. The coast guard was alerted that the swim was taking place at 12.10 pm

Coast Guard rescue teams from Deal and Langdon, an RNLI lifeboat from Dover and a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd were dispatched.

Vessels in the area have been asked to be vigilant and the Kent Police, the Port of Dover Police and the Port of Dover have been informed. The search continues.

The incident is not related to the migrant crossings.

The air temperature in Dover on Monday afternoon was around 17 ° C with winds up to 10 mph, according to the Weather Office.

The fastest swim in history across the English Channel is just over seven hours and, through the shortest route, measured at 21 miles, great care and planning must be taken to avoid colossal cargo ships.