THE swimmer reported missing in the River Mersey has been a much-loved member of Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club for 17 years.

Haydn Griffiths, from Lowton, was reported missing at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, July 19.

It is believed that he had been swimming in the River Mersey, close to New Brighton, attempting to swim to the windmills north of the Wirral coast.

An extensive search operation has been carried out by the RNLI, police and firefighters, led by the Coastguard.

 

Leigh Journal: Haydn (right) with sailing club members in 2016 (Pic: Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club)Haydn (right) with sailing club members in 2016 (Pic: Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club)

Haydn, who turns 24 today (Friday, July 22), has not yet been located and his family have shared desperate appeals in the attempt to find him.

Along with his family, more than 100 volunteers have scoured the Merseyside beaches and coastline in the search operation.

Haydn, a member of the Merchant Navy, is described as a “fantastic young man” and a talented sailor and swimmer.

Living across the road from Pennington Flash, Haydn has been a member of Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club since the age of six.

In this time, he has developed into a “very proficient” sailor and swimmer, and as a qualified instructor, has also taught young children how to sail.

Leigh Journal: Hoylake Lifeboat crew involved in the search (Picture: Hoylake RNLI)Hoylake Lifeboat crew involved in the search (Picture: Hoylake RNLI)

Mike Barnes, Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club President, said: “Haydn is a fantastic young man and very popular here at the club.

“He is a very involved member of the club and has grown up with his sisters sailing here.

“I’m one of the team who taught Haydn in the first place and he is a very good sailor with huge potential.

"He has a lovely, close-knit family and he is one of the best who has come through our sailing programme.”

While commending those who have helped in the search for Haydn, Mike cautioned people to be careful while looking for him in open waters.

Merseyside Police confirmed that while they are carrying out enquiries into Haydn’s whereabouts, they have stepped down their search for him.

The 24-year-old is described as white, 6ft 1in tall, of athletic build with short blond hair and blue eyes.

If you see Haydn or have any information, please contact us via @MerPolCC on Twitter, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, 101, quoting reference 22000518807