Emergency services search for missing swimmer who disappeared in River Ribble near Ribchester
A swimmer has gone missing after entering the River Ribble near Ribchester.
An extensive multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched yesterday (Sunday, December 21) after the man was reported missing shortly before 1pm.
He was said to have entered the river with another man near Ribchester Road, with the pair reportedly wearing swimming trunks.
HM Coastguard joined Lancashire firefighters and police officers at the scene, but a search of the river has failed to find any trace of the man at this stage.
The search and rescue operation is continuing today.
A police spokesperson said: “We were called to Ribchester Road, Dinckley, at 12.58pm yesterday (December 21) after receiving concerns about the safety of a man last seen swimming in the River Ribble.
“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing and we would ask that the public avoid the area so emergency responders can safely carry out their work.
Anyone with information which could assist the emergency response is asked to call 101 and quote log 590 of December 21, 2025.