Tributes were paid last night to a ‘hero’ British sales executive who is feared dead after diving into Lake Garda to rescue his son.
Aran Chada, 51, his partner Holly Mosley, 39, and their two children – son Roman, 14, and daughter Floren, seven – had rented a boat on the lake in northern Italy when disaster struck.
Mr. Chada dove in when he saw Roman struggling while swimming. He managed to push the boy back to the boat, but then disappeared under the water. The searches continued last night and the Genoa Coast Guard diving unit was due to join forces today.
Sales director Aran Chada, 51, was with his partner Holly Mosley, 39, and their two children – a 14-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl – on a boat trip to northern Italy
The boat rented by the 51-year-old and his family is pictured after returning to shore
Rescuers said Mr Chada may have had a seizure in the cold water. Temperatures at the time of the Friday afternoon incident were around 38C (100F), but the water was significantly colder. Neighbors of the family in the village of Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire spoke of their shock last night.
Jon Lowe, 51, an electrician, said: ‘Aran was a brilliant guy, always a pleasure to deal with. He was the best neighbor we could wish for.
“He always had a willing smile. We have been neighbors for 12 years and in all that time they have been such a lovely family – they always stop for a word or a chat with you if you see them in the village.
“This is such a shock, especially because he’s always been such a fit kid. He was often in the gym and loved to keep fit.’
His family received help from a psychologist immediately after the incident, the coastguard confirmed
A rescue helicopter continued its two-day search for the tourist well into Saturday afternoon
Another neighbor, who doesn’t want to be named, said, “I can only imagine the pain his family is going through. This is heartbreaking and very sad.’
And Holly’s brother James told The Sun, “It’s devastating. What my sister and the family are going through is unimaginable.’
The family was about 200 meters from the coast near the town of Limone when Mr. Chada disappeared.
Miss Mosley called 911 when her husband did not surface. Witnesses also called for help after hearing her screams. Three coastguard boats and helicopters from the local fire and ambulance services were dispatched to the scene.
Divers and a robotic submarine were also sent to the lake, which is 200 feet deep in places.
Limone sul Garda, a picturesque lakeside town in northern Italy, was the site of the accident
He stayed with his family at the nearby 4-star hotel du Lac et Du Parc
His family anxiously awaited news at a hotel on the shores of Lake Garda (file image)
The family was thought to have just started their vacation, which tomorrow would include Mr Chada’s 52nd birthday.
Coast Guard Antonello Ragadale said: ‘He managed to get the boy back to the boat, where he was pulled in by his mother, but the man then slid beneath the surface, perhaps having a seizure.
“This man was a hero and we fear he drowned, but we are doing everything we can to find his body.
Known for its beautiful setting and sheer cliffs, the area is a magnet for British holidaymakers
Members of the Lake Garda Coast Guard were pictured searching for the man, but were unsuccessful
Temperatures reached around 38C, but the water was considerably colder
The picturesque lakeside town between Garda and sheer cliffs is a popular haunt
“Divers came by helicopter but couldn’t do much because a sheer rock face descends to great depths at that point, so a civil defense remote-controlled mini-sub was sent down.”
He said rescuers would continue as long as it took to “give the poor woman and her children some comfort.” Miss Mosley and her children were returned to their hotel and assisted by counselors.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Chada was a sales director for Global Energy Ventures, which serves oil fields in Africa. The Foreign Office said: ‘We support the family of a British man reported missing in Italy.’