Swimmer dies crossing the English Channel 12 miles from Dover

The event sees participants run, swim and cycle the route from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Douglas Waymark passed away swimming to France during a solo challenge (Getty)

Tributes have been paid to a swimmer who died during an endurance event in the English Channel.

Douglas Waymark was named by event organisers after he died on Monday during a solo attempt to complete the Arch to Arc challenge between England and France.

A tribute on the Enduroman website read: "Our friend Douglas Waymark sadly passed away swimming to France during stage 2 of his Solo Arch to Arc.

"He touched our hearts with his strength, organisation and quiet humour.

"He had gained massive respect amongst all who knew him. The Enduroman community will miss him and will never forget him."

The event, described as "extreme", sees participants run, swim and cycle the route from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "Last night at around 9.20pm, UK Coastguard received a VHF Radio call from a support vessel reporting that a cross channel swimmer was in difficulty and needed assistance.

"The vessel was in French waters around 12 nautical miles from Dover.

"The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd, which was training nearby, arrived on scene within 10 minutes and airlifted the swimmer to William Harvey Hospital, Ashford."

Press Association