A major search and rescue operation for two men who went missing while swimming in the sea off the Devon coast on Christmas Day has been officially stood down by the coastguard.
Emergency Response on Christmas Morning
Emergency services were alerted to concerns for people in the water at Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day. A multi-agency response was immediately launched, involving coastguard rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, alongside coastguard helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, police, and ambulance crews.
While a number of individuals were successfully brought to shore, two men could not be located. The missing individuals are described as one man in his 40s and another in his 60s. Of those rescued, two received checks from paramedics and one was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure.
Search Called Off as Darkness Fell
After extensive searches both offshore and along the shoreline throughout the day, the maritime element of the operation was concluded at 5pm on Christmas Day. A coastguard spokesperson confirmed the search was stood down after all possible avenues were exhausted.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that onshore inquiries continued into the evening and that the families of both men have been informed. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar described the event as "a truly tragic incident" and expressed that the force's thoughts were with the families, friends, and witnesses affected.
Warnings Issued for Boxing Day Swims
The incident occurred despite recent weather warnings, which had already led to the cancellation of several organised Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall. Although no official weather warning was active for Boxing Day, authorities issued a strong plea for caution.
Det Supt Costar urged the public: "While there are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to." This warning underscores the potential dangers of entering the water during the winter period, even in the absence of formal alerts.
The community's response to the tragedy has been visible, with flowers left on the beach at Budleigh Salterton in memory of the two missing men.
