The UK Coastguard has suspended a major search and rescue operation for two men believed to be missing in the water off the coast of Devon on Christmas Day. The extensive search, which involved multiple rescue teams and helicopters, was stood down at 5pm after failing to locate the individuals.
Christmas Day Emergency Response
Devon and Cornwall Police were first alerted at 10.25am on 25 December 2025 following reports of concern for people in the water in the Budleigh Salterton area. A significant multi-agency response was immediately launched. According to a coastguard spokesperson, a number of people were safely recovered to shore and taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
The rescue effort involved considerable resources:
- Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams
- RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay
- Coastguard search and rescue helicopters
- Police and ambulance services
"Searches have continued throughout the day to find two men believed to still be in the water," stated the coastguard. "After extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the coastguard part of the search was stood down at 5pm."
Weather Warnings Disrupt Festive Traditions
The incident occurred against a backdrop of severe weather conditions, leading to the cancellation of several traditional festive swims. The Met Office had issued a warning for "strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds" across parts of the South West of England and Wales, with peak gusts potentially reaching 55-65mph along exposed coasts.
Furthermore, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a yellow cold weather alert for the South West, valid until midday on Saturday 27 December. These conditions prompted urgent safety advice from authorities.
"We ask that people do not enter the water for public safety reasons - due to the current weather warnings, we ask that this is the case today and for any Boxing Day swims," the coastguard spokesperson emphasised. This led to the cancellation of Exmouth's planned Christmas Day swim and several other Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall.
Ongoing Enquiries and Community Reaction
While the active search has been paused, enquiries continue. The coastguard confirmed that the next of kin of one of the missing men have been informed, and efforts to contact the family of the second man are ongoing, although a local friend has been notified.
The dangerous conditions were acknowledged by the local community. One social media user responded to a police post, stating: "Our local swim was cancelled and quite right too, the swell is huge and the wind is set to increase." The Met Office had warned that the severe conditions could cause transport disruption, affect power supplies, and create hazardous waves along the coast.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of the sea and the importance of heeding official weather warnings, even during traditional festive events.
