Two men are currently missing following a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, a beach located on the southern coast of the United Kingdom. The incident occurred when a group of swimmers encountered rough waters, prompting emergency services to respond at approximately 10:25 a.m. on December 25, 2023.
According to the Devon and Cornwall Police, several swimmers were safely retrieved from the water and assessed by paramedics at the scene. Some were subsequently taken to the hospital as a precaution. Unfortunately, two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, have not been located and remain missing.
Authorities conducted extensive search operations throughout the day but were forced to suspend efforts as night fell. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar expressed the department’s condolences, stating, “Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing and to all who may have witnessed and been impacted by the incident.”
The situation was exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. The Met Office had issued warnings of “strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds” on Christmas Day, with gusts reaching between 55 and 65 mph. These warnings led to the cancellation of several official and unofficial swimming events in the area.
In light of the ongoing search and the hazardous conditions, Detective Superintendent Costar urged caution. “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,” she advised.
The police continue to monitor the situation closely as the search for the two missing men persists. Families and community members remain hopeful for their safe return.
