Members of a search and rescue team during a search operation for Tom Voyce (Image: PA)
The search for the missing former England rugby star Tom Voyce continues after he disappeared during Storm Darragh.
Northumbria Police suspect that Voyce was swept out to sea while attempting to drive across the River Aln on Sunday evening. Police located his vehicle near Abberwick Ford, but there has been no sign of the 43-year-old, raising fears that he is dead.
Search teams gathered from dawn on Wednesday morning and have been scouring the banks of the river from the ford between Bolton and Abberwick, all the way to the sea at Alnmouth.
With the water level indicator at the ford still showing the depth of the river around one foot on Wednesday morning, it would have been far more perilous during the weekend’s storm.
Voyce’s wife Anna and his family have been told to expect the worst, and the rugby world has been left shocked by the distressing developments.
Matt Dawson, former England scrum-half who played with Voyce at Wasps from 2004 and 2006, expressed his profound sorrow on , posting: “One of life’s wonderful humans… I can’t express my sadness right now… All the Dawsons send their love and strength to Anna and the whole family.”
Andy Goode, another ex-England team-mate, also paid tribute, writing: “So sad to hear of the suspected loss of my old team mate Tom Voyce, he was a great bloke who I spent many fun times with. RIP mate; you’ll be missed Voycey.”
Tributes have been paid to former England rugby star Tom Voyce (Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)
Freddie Burns, ex-England and Gloucester fly-half, took to social media to write: “My thoughts are with all of Voyceys family and friends. He was my gym partner in the very early days at Gloucester and taught me so much. Will forever be grateful.”
During a celebrated career spanning from 2000 to 2013, Voyce played predominantly on the wing or as full-back for clubs including Bath, Gloucester, Wasps, and London Welsh. Picking up nine caps for England, he accumulated 15 points.
“Gloucester Rugby is desperately sad to hear the distressing news regarding our former player and friend, Tom Voyce,” they wrote on X. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Premiership Rugby said: “Everyone at Premiership Rugby is devastated by the news regarding Tom Voyce. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
The British and Irish Lions shared their show of support: “The British and Irish Lions send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Tom Voyce’s family and friends during this deeply distressing time.”
Bath Rugby echoed these sentiments with their own tribute: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this incredibly distressing time.”
Specialist officers from the Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones, dog handlers, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue volunteers, and individuals close to Voyce have been tirelessly searching for him.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumbria Police stated: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time. Our officers continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected.”
Northumbria Police also said: “Tom’s wife Anna and all his family have expressed their gratitude for all the help and support from officers, friends and the local community with helping find Tom.”