Home / Crime and Justice / Paddleboarders Vanish, Sparking Massive Lake Search
Paddleboarders Vanish, Sparking Massive Lake Search
14 Aug
Summary
- Two rented paddleboards were not returned, initiating a large-scale search.
- Customers provided false details, leading authorities to suspect theft.
- Coastguard and wardens searched Windermere for missing persons and the boards.
An extensive search operation was conducted on Windermere late on Wednesday evening. The operation was initiated when two stand-up paddleboards, rented from the Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre, were not returned at the scheduled time. Lake wardens, rangers, and the coastguard were involved in meticulously searching the entire length of the lake.
The operator, GLL, revealed that the customers had supplied false information when hiring the equipment. This led authorities to suspect that the paddleboards had been stolen rather than lost. The coastguard's involvement was initially to ensure the safety of the individuals, searching in case of an accident.
As the search continued with no reports of missing persons and with failing light, the teams were eventually stood down. The incident, which occurred between 15:20 and 17:00 BST, has since been referred to the police. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information regarding the theft to come forward.
