Police have confirmed the discovery of a body, thought to be that of a man who fell into a reservoir on Thursday afternoon, during a late-night search of Draycote Water on Friday.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Draycote Water reservoir, located in Rugby, Warwickshire, around 3.30pm on Thursday. The man’s son, who was with him on the boat, was unharmed and rescued from the incident.
Warwickshire Police provided an update late this evening, just after 11.30pm, confirming their belief that the recovered body is that of the missing father.
Upon arrival at the scene on Thursday, West Midlands Ambulance Service crews found that the man’s teenage son had already been pulled from the water, according to a spokesperson. They stated he “was assessed but did not require further treatment and was discharged at the scene.”
Draycote Water is a 240-hectare reservoir and country park, sourcing its water from the River Leam, which then provides drinking water for Rugby and Coventry. The site, owned and operated by Severn Trent Water, is popular for sailing, windsurfing and fishing, reports the Mirror.
In a sombre Facebook post shortly before midnight on Friday, the police force stated: “We are sad to report that a body has been found in Draycote Water this evening and it is it is believed to be that of the man who fell into the water yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 29 May 2025). His teenage son also fell in, but was rescued by two members of the public and he did not sustain any injuries.
“Our Local Area Commander for Rugby, Chief Inspector Angus Eagles has shared the following statement: “Our thoughts are very much with the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time and I would ask that their privacy continues to be respected.
“Since yesterday, an intensive search operation has been underway that has seen a range of specialist search tactics and technology being used. I don’t underestimate the impact this tragic incident, and the large-scale search operation will have had on local people and businesses. Thank you all for your patience and understanding while our officers worked tirelessly to find the man.
“Special thanks also goes to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Warwickshire Search and Rescue, West Mercia Search and Rescue, Avon Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, and Severn Trent – all of whom have played an integral role in supporting our extensive search efforts.”
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
