Major Search Operation Underway After Man Disappears in Wroxham Broad

[NBF]

A significant search and rescue operation has been launched following the late-night disappearance of a man in Wroxham Broad, one of the largest and most popular destinations within the Norfolk Broads. The man is believed to have fallen into the water after dark, prompting immediate action from emergency services.

Emergency Services Respond to Wroxham Broad Incident

The incident occurred just after 11 p.m. on Friday, triggering a rapid response from multiple rescue teams. Specialists from Winterton and Bacton Coastguard Rescue, Hemsby Broads Rescue, and a coastguard helicopter were all dispatched to the scene. Their efforts were concentrated on locating the missing individual within the vast and challenging environment of Wroxham Broad.

Extensive Search Efforts in Progress

The search operation continued throughout Saturday, with Norfolk Fire and Rescue deploying two search and rescue boats. These boats conducted thorough sweeps of the water, focusing on the area where Wroxham Broad merges with the River Bure. In addition to the boats, a drone was employed to enhance the search efforts, offering aerial support to the teams on the ground.

Wroxham Broad: A Popular Destination Temporarily Closed

Wroxham Broad, which spans 85 acres with an average depth of 1.3 metres, is a well-known hub for various water activities, including sailing, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, situated with a view of the Broad, announced the suspension of all boating activities due to the ongoing search. The club expressed concern over the "potentially serious incident" and has not provided details on when normal operations might resume.

Impact on Local Events and Community

The scale of the search has led to significant disruptions in the area. Police have closed Wroxham Broad to all users, including the public car park adjacent to the water. Boaters attempting to moor were turned away, and cruisers already on the Broad were asked to leave. Events such as a dinghy open regatta, scheduled for Sunday, are likely to be cancelled.

Local residents and visitors have expressed their concern over the incident. Tony Barrett, who had planned to launch canoes at the Broad, remarked on the severity of the situation, stating, "It must be serious if they are closing the Broad. It doesn’t look good with all this activity." Fisherman Alan Richards added, "It’s usually a really busy place, and you get all sorts using the water. It is shocking and sad to see them searching like this. My thoughts and prayers are with anyone affected."

Ongoing Search and Community Response

As the search continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution. The authorities have yet to provide any updates on the missing man's status, leaving many to speculate and worry about the outcome. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in even the most familiar and beloved locations.

Wroxham Broad, typically a place of leisure and recreation, has temporarily transformed into the centre of a tense and urgent search operation. The local community and visitors alike await further news, hoping for a positive resolution to this tragic event.