A HOLIDAYMAKER is believed to have been swept away by strong currents after going swimming in the sea off Majorca.

James Mercer, aged 52, is missing, feared dead, despite extensive searches involving a helicopter and a specialist under water search unit near the resort of Playa de Muro.

Bolton-born builder Mr Mercer had only arrived in the resort the day before for a holiday with his wife, Susan.

She was on the beach when Mr Mercer went for a swim and raised the alarm when he did not return to the shore.

Today Mrs Mercer was too upset to talk about the tragedy at the Alcudia Pins Hotel.

Spanish police revealed they had called off the search for Mr Mercer on Friday.

Mr Mercer's two brothers, who still live in Bolton, had travelled to Spain to help in the search.

His distraught sister Gina Fraser of Hebden Court, Bolton said: "I've been sitting by the phone for days just waiting for news. We don't know what to think. I can't seem to find out anything from Majorca about what is going on."

Mr Mercer had arrived in Majorca last Saturday. He went swimming on Sunday, despite adverse conditions.

His family revealed that Mr Mercer was an experienced swimmer and used to go swimming nearly every day, both in winter and in summer.

Another tourist who had also been swimming at the same time as Mr Mercer told Spanish police that he had seen him in the water but minutes later lost sight of him completely.

Search parties involving the Air Sea Rescue unit, police divers, land patrols, a helicopter and the Red Cross have been focusing on the area since Mr Mercer's disappearence was reported. Police revealed they are looking for a body which may have been carried several miles down the coast by the strong currents.

Mr Mercer's younger brothers Mitchell and William travelled to the Mediterranean island earlier this week to help with the search.

Mr Mercer was brought up in Astley Bridge, Bolton, and attended Sharples School.

He moved away from the area when he was in his 20s because he could not find building work, settling instead in Shropshire. He has two grown up children and has been married to Susan, his second wife, for about five years.