Major Search Operation Launched After Swimmers Go Missing
Emergency services are conducting a large-scale search for two men who are missing in the water off a beach in Devon. The incident, which began on Christmas Day morning, has led to the urgent cancellation of traditional festive swims in the area.
Devon and Cornwall Police were alerted at 10.25am on 25 December 2025 following concerns for people in the sea at Budleigh Salterton. A number of individuals were successfully recovered to shore and were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Efforts
A significant multi-agency response is underway. The coastguard confirmed that Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, and coastguard search and rescue helicopters have all been deployed to the scene. Police and ambulance services are also assisting.
A police spokesperson stated that while the next of kin of one man have been informed, officers are still working to contact the family of the second missing individual. A local friend has been made aware of the situation.
"Coastguard and RNLI crews are continuing search efforts in the water," said a spokesperson, emphasising the ongoing nature of the operation.
Weather Warnings Force Swim Cancellations
In light of the incident and dangerous conditions, swimmers were urgently asked not to participate in Exmouth's annual Christmas Day swim. Authorities have extended this warning due to an active yellow weather warning for wind across Devon and Cornwall.
"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 spokesperson added. Several other planned festive swims in the region have already been cancelled.
The Met Office has warned of "strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds" with peak gusts potentially reaching 55-65mph along exposed coasts. These conditions risk causing transport disruption, power supply issues, and generating large, hazardous waves.
Commenting on a police social media post, one resident supported the decision: "Our local swim was cancelled and quite right too, the swell is huge and the wind is set to increase."
