British tourist reported missing in Bulgaria after swim in sea

Updated

A British teacher has been reported missing in Bulgaria after apparently getting into difficulties during a morning swim.

The man has been named in reports as Ethan McKen, a 24-year-old teacher from Nottingham.

The BBC said family members had told them Mr McKen was hit by a wave, and had been unable to reach the shore at the popular Sunny Beach resort.

Mr McKen, a member of amateur Nottinghamshire football club Bulwell FC, was travelling with a group of five friends and had only arrived on Saturday morning.

One other member of the group entered the sea, but was safe and recovering in a local medical centre, tour operator Thomas Cook said yesterday.

A spokesman for Club 18-30, which is run by Thomas Cook, said: "The health and safety of all our customers is paramount. We are very concerned by the disappearance of one of our customers in Bulgaria after they took a morning swim in the sea in Sunny Beach resort.

"Club 18-30 reps in resort are offering every support to the other members of the party. We are liaising closely with the British Embassy and the local authorities as the search effort continues, and can confirm that the local police are stopping anyone entering the water at present while this continues.

"Club 18-30's parent company Thomas Cook is liaising closely with the missing person's family in the UK, and are arranging for relatives to travel to Bulgaria at the first available opportunity.

"We remain committed to offering the missing person's friends and family every assistance at this worrying time."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "A British national has been reported missing in Bulgaria. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time."

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