Police in Devon have issued a stark warning to the public following a tragic incident on Christmas Day, where two men were swept out to sea during an annual festive swim. The men, aged in their forties and sixties, remain missing after extensive search and rescue operations were called off.
Christmas Day Tragedy at Budleigh Salterton
Emergency services were called to the pebbled beach at Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Thursday, 25 December, after concerns were raised for people in the water. Despite a major multi-agency response, the two men could not be located.
The incident occurred despite a yellow weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office for parts of south-west England and Wales, which was in effect from 4am until 11.59pm on Christmas Day. The forecast warned of strong easterly winds with gusts of 55 to 65mph along exposed coasts and the hazard of large waves.
Local resident Julia Robb, who had been watching the swimmers, described the conditions as "very cold and windy" with waves she estimated to be "at least 6ft" high, breaking over people. "It was a sad thing to happen on what had been such a positive morning," she said.
Major Search Operation Concludes
The rescue mission involved a significant deployment of resources:
- HM Coastguard teams from Exmouth and Beer.
- RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay.
- Coastguard search and rescue helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft.
- Police and ambulance personnel on the scene.
While RNLI crews helped recover one person from the water and several others were brought safely to shore, the two men were not found. The search was concluded by the coastguard around 5pm on Thursday evening.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police described it as a "truly tragic incident" and confirmed the families of the missing men have been informed.
Police Urge Public to Stay Out of the Sea
In the wake of the incident, authorities have strongly discouraged traditional Boxing Day swims. Although no formal weather warnings were in place for 26 December, officers emphasised the ongoing dangers.
"While there are no official warnings in place, we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to," stated Det Supt Costar. The warning led to the cancellation of several planned festive swims across Devon and Cornwall.
An RNLI spokesperson echoed the sentiment, stating: "Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident and the family and friends of the two people who are missing." The community of Budleigh Salterton, described as a small and friendly town, has been left shocked by the events.
