British man missing after diving into Lake Como to rescue father and son

Italian authorities are searching for a British man who went missing after reportedly diving into Lake Como to rescue a father and son in distress.

The man was taking part in a boating trip with friends when he entered the water near the municipality of San Siro, on the lake’s western shore, on Monday afternoon, according to Italian news agency Ansa.

The father and son were later rescued by another passing boat, but the British man has not been seen since.

Search operation under way

Emergency services have deployed a helicopter, divers and boats to search the area. Lake Como reaches depths of more than 200 metres in some places, Ansa reported.

The UK Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British national missing in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”