Emergency services launched a major search off Budleigh Salterton in Devon on Christmas Day after reports of people in difficulty in the water. Two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, remain missing.
A number of individuals were safely brought ashore, with two checked by paramedics and one taken to hospital as a precaution. The search, involving coastguard teams, RNLI lifeboats, and helicopters, was stood down at 5pm after extensive shoreline and offshore searches.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police urged the public not to swim on Boxing Day, noting that weather warnings had led to the cancellation of several official and unofficial swims. The Met Office had issued a yellow warning for strong winds, with gusts of up to 65mph along exposed coasts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, quoting log number 191 of 25 December.
