Emergency services have issued a stark warning for people to stay out of the sea along the Devon coast after a Christmas Day tragedy left two swimmers missing.
Christmas Day Tragedy at Budleigh Salterton
The incident unfolded on the morning of December 25th at Budleigh Salterton beach in East Devon. Authorities were alerted at approximately 10:25am following concerns for people in the water amidst challenging conditions.
Coastguard and RNLI teams launched an immediate response, successfully helping several individuals from the waves. These people were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. However, despite extensive search efforts, two men could not be located.
The missing individuals are described as men aged in their 40s and 60s. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that their families have been informed of the situation.
Search Concluded as Men Remain Missing
As daylight faded on Boxing Day, the active search and rescue operation was formally concluded. The two men remain missing.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar addressed the incident, 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.’
She acknowledged the significant presence of emergency services in the area throughout the day, which would have been noticeable to the local community.
Public Urged to Heed Weather Warnings
The tragedy occurred while a Met Office yellow weather warning for wind was in place across a stretch of the South West, including Devon and Cornwall. The warning, active until midnight on Christmas Day, predicted gusts of up to 65mph on exposed coasts and hills.
Although no further official weather warnings have been issued for December 26th (Boxing Day), police have issued a direct plea to the public. Detective Superintendent Costar urged: ‘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.’
The force noted that a number of organised and informal swims had already been cancelled earlier in the week due to the severe conditions.
Some police enquiries on land are continuing, but the major sea and coastal searches have now been stood down.
