Man missing at reservoir after falling into water while paddleboarding

A man and woman were believed to have fallen into the water while paddleboarding.

A huge search is underway for a man who fell into a reservoir while paddleboarding.

Emergency services were called just before 2.30pm today, Sunday, October 20, to reports of a man and woman in the water at Dovestone Reservoir.

It is understood the pair, believed to both be in their late 20s, entered the water after falling off a paddleboard, reports Manchester Evening News.

The man and woman are thought to have gone into the water during a sunny spell of weather this afternoon before tragedy struck.

The man then reportedly got into difficulty in the water while the woman was rescued and treated for hypothermia and shock.

Emergency crews flooded the area and cordoned off all adjoining roads and footpaths. A massive search operation was launched with fire crews, paramedics and police all in attendance at the scene.

Specialist divers could be frantically seen searching the reservoir on boats while coastguard and mountain rescue teams also joined the hunt.

As the day turned to evening, with temperatures plummeting and strong winds of 50mph, emergency services continued to scour the water. In the darkness, search teams were pictured at the waterside.

Throughout the evening rescue units were seen all over the water surface in boats, with others seen kneeling at the embankment with binoculars.

Fire crews, as well as members of specialist diving teams, could be seen parked up in attendance on blue lights near to the sailing club.

The man is still missing and the search and rescue mission is expected to continue into the evening. Visitors are still being asked to stay away from the area while searches are being carried out.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service added: “At shortly before 2.30pm today (Sunday 20 October) fire crews were called to Dove Stone Reservoir in Oldham following reports of a person in the water.

“Three fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, and Eccles along with the Water Incident Unit from Leigh quickly attended the scene.

“Crews are working alongside emergency service colleagues and remain in attendance.”

Greater Manchester Police said this evening: "Underwater teams will continue to search Dovestone Reservoir overnight.

"The scene will be in place overnight and people are reminded to stay away from the search area.We are not stopping our search and are doing everything we can to locate the missing man.

"Thank you for your cooperation."

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