Emergency services are conducting a major search operation for two men missing in the sea off the Devon coast on Christmas Day. The incident prompted urgent warnings for the public to stay out of the water.
Search Operation Launched After Morning Alert
Devon and Cornwall Police were alerted at 10.25am on 25 December 2025 following serious concerns for the welfare of people in the water at Budleigh Salterton. A significant multi-agency response was immediately mobilised.
Coastguard and RNLI crews are leading the ongoing search efforts. Teams involved include Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, alongside coastguard search and rescue helicopters. Police and ambulance services are also assisting at the scene.
Public Safety Warnings Issued
Authorities have urgently requested that people do not enter the water. This directive was issued specifically for Exmouth's planned Christmas Day swim, which was effectively halted while the emergency incident was managed.
A spokesperson emphasised the warning extends to Boxing Day: "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 police confirmed that a number of other individuals were safely recovered from the water and taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
Severe Weather Conditions Disrupt Traditions
The search is taking place against a backdrop of dangerous conditions. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for wind for parts of southwest England and Wales on Christmas Day.
Forecasters warned of "strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds" with peak gusts potentially reaching 55-65mph along exposed coasts. They cautioned about possible disruption to transport and power supplies, with large waves creating an additional hazard.
As a result, several traditional Christmas and Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall have been cancelled. One social media user, commenting on a police update, supported the decision: "Our local swim was cancelled and quite right too, the swell is huge and the wind is set to increase."
Police have spoken to the next of kin of one of the missing men. Enquiries to contact the family of the second man are ongoing, although a local friend has been informed. The search operation continues.
