Two Men Feared Missing in Sea Off Devon Beach on Christmas Day
Two men remain missing in the water off Budleigh Salterton beach, Devon, on Christmas Day. Emergency services launched a major search at about 10:25 am, involving Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay, coastguard helicopters, police, and ambulance.
Several people were recovered to shore; one person was transported by land ambulance to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and two were treated and discharged at the scene. The next of kin of one man has been spoken to, while inquiries are ongoing to contact the second man's family; a local friend has also been informed.
Public safety warnings have been issued advising people not to enter the water due to yellow weather warnings. Boxing Day swims were cancelled in parts of Devon and Cornwall.
The Met Office reported strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds from 4am to 11:59pm on Christmas Day, with peak gusts of 45–55 mph and up to 55–65 mph on exposed coasts, and large waves. The coastguard was alerted around 10 am, and rescue teams and helicopters were deployed.
The incident remains under investigation, with searches and inquiries ongoing.
