Desperate search as man remains missing at Dovestone Reservoir after falling into water while paddleboarding

As darkness fell over Dovestone Reservoir on Sunday evening a huge search was underway for a man in his 20s who fell into the water while paddleboarding.

Emergency services were called just before 2.30pm to reports of a man and woman in the water.

The M.E.N. understands the pair, believed to both be in their late 20s, entered the water after falling off a paddleboard.

READ MORE: Major Dovestone Reservoir incident after two people go into water with search underway

The pair are thought to have gone out into the water during a sunny spell of weather on Sunday afternoon before tragedy struck.

The man 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.

Specialist divers could be seen searching the reservoir on boats while coastguard and mountain rescue teams were also at the scene.

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 covering the water surface in boats with others seen kneeling at the embankment with binoculars.

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

As of Sunday evening the man is still missing in the water. The search and rescue mission is expected to continue into the evening and a scene will remain in place overnight.

Visitors are still being asked to stay away from the area, which is located on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park, 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."