The search for two men missing after a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton beach in Devon has come to a halt. Emergency services received an alert at 10:25 a.m. on December 25, 2023, due to concerns about individuals in the water. Despite the efforts of various rescue teams, the two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, have not been located.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, several other swimmers were successfully brought back to shore and assessed by paramedics. However, the search for the two missing men has ended as of the evening of December 25. Their families have been informed of the situation.
Emergency Services Respond to Tragic Incident
The police reported extensive search efforts throughout the day. Detective Superintendent Hayley Co-star commented on the situation, stating, “Today, emergency services have been responding to a truly tragic incident in Budleigh Salterton. Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing and to all who may have witnessed and been impacted by the incident.”
She added that the local community witnessed a significant presence of emergency services as extensive inquiries were conducted. As night fell, many of the search operations were stood down, although some police inquiries continued on land.
Weather warnings had been issued for the area in the days leading up to Christmas Day, leading to the cancellation of several official and unofficial swims. While no warnings were in effect for December 26, police urged the public to reconsider any plans for swimming in the sea.
Public Safety Remains a Priority
Devon and Cornwall Police emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “A significant amount of emergency service personnel were deployed to the incident, and we ask that people do not enter the water due to current weather warnings.” They reiterated this message for anyone considering a Boxing Day swim.
The HM Coastguard reported being alerted around 10:00 a.m. on Christmas Day. Emergency responders included the Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth and Torbay, and coastguard search and rescue helicopters, alongside police and ambulance services.
Crowds gathered at nearby Exmouth and Budleigh beaches for unofficial Christmas Day dips, prompting police to advise caution. Earlier that day, the police had warned against entering the water due to the ongoing incident. In a public statement, they urged, “Please do not enter the water and avoid the area. We are also urgently asking the public not to enter the water at Exmouth for the Christmas Day swim while emergency services are engaged with this incident.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to contact them by calling 101 or reporting through their website, quoting log number 191 of December 25, 2023.
