AN experienced swimmer and veteran endurance athlete has died after getting into difficulty 16 hours into an attempt to swim the English Channel.

    Father-of-two Nick Thomas, 45, set off from Dover, Kent on Saturday morning and was attempting to cross the Channel for the second time in his life.

    However, he got into difficulty 16 hours into the swim and fell unconscious just a mile (1.6 km) off the French coast. He later died at a hospital in Calais.

    On Saturday night, his son Ashley paid tribute by simply saying: “You’ll never be forgotten.” His wife, Karen, wrote online: “Can’t believe I am not going to see you again.”

    Meanwhile, his brother Lee, 43, said the family had lost a “devoted husband, father, son and brother” and that he had “lost his life doing something he loved.”

    Thomas’ wife Karen and their son and daughter planned to travel to Dover yesterday from the family home in Ellesmere, Shropshire.

    Speaking Sunday night, Thomas’ brother, from Frodsham, Cheshire, said, “Today as a family we have lost a devoted husband, father, son and brother. The Enduroman team has lost #19, an achievement Nick was so proud of.

    “We are all devastated and shocked that he’s lost his life doing something he loved.

    “It is awful that his solo channel attempt was so nearly successful but has ultimately ended in tragedy.

    “His success and achievements as an endurance athlete will never be forgotten by friends and family and he will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

    “The family would like to thank his support team who tried so valiantly to save him. The support Nick received throughout his Channel attempt was amazing and he loved being part of the Enduroman family, too.

    “He may be gone but Nick will be held in all our hearts forever.”

    Confirming his death, the official Twitter account for Enduroman Events — which had been tweeting about his Channel crossing attempt — said he had passed away while “doing what he loved.”(SD-Agencies)