World

British man missing after diving into Lake Como to rescue teenager

BBC World · 2026-09-22

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A British man went missing after diving into Lake Como to rescue a teenager and a father and son who were in distress; the father and son were rescued, but he has not been seen since. • Why it matters: The incident highlights the risks associated with water activities in deep lakes and has prompted a significant search operation involving helicopters and divers, drawing attention to the bravery of the missing man. • What to watch next: Authorities continue their search efforts and are urging anyone with information to come forward, while updates on the situation are expected as the search progresses.

**British Man Missing After Heroic Dive into Lake Como**

Italian authorities are actively searching for a British man who has gone missing after attempting to rescue a teenager from Lake Como. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near the municipality of San Siro, located on the lake's western shore.

Reports indicate that the man was part of a boating trip with a family he knew when he noticed two individuals—a father and son—struggling in the water. In a bid to help, he reportedly jumped into the lake. While the father and son were subsequently rescued by another passing boat, the British man has not been seen since his dive.

The UK Foreign Office has acknowledged the situation, stating, "We are supporting the family of a British national missing in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities." This highlights the ongoing concern and support being provided to the man's family during this distressing time.

Emergency services have mobilized a comprehensive search operation, which includes helicopters, divers, and specialized boat units. The search efforts are complicated by the lake's significant depth, which can exceed 200 meters in some areas, making the operation particularly challenging for rescue teams.

As the search continues, local media and community members have expressed their admiration for the missing man's bravery in attempting to save others. The incident has drawn attention to the risks involved in water activities, especially in areas known for their deep waters and strong currents.

Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in the search to come forward. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as the search progresses.

Source: BBC World
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