Two men are still missing at sea after a major emergency response was launched at a Devon beach on Christmas Day. Police have now urged the public to reconsider any plans for Boxing Day swims following the tragic incident.
Extensive Search Concludes Without Success
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Thursday, 25 December 2025, following reports of people in difficulty in the water. A significant multi-agency operation involving coastguard teams, RNLI lifeboats, search and rescue helicopters, and police swung into action.
While a number of individuals were safely recovered to shore and received medical attention, two men could not be found. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed in the evening that the large-scale sea and shoreline searches had been stood down. The missing men are aged in their 40s and 60s, and their families have been informed.
Police Issue Stern Warning to Public
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar expressed the force's condolences, stating their thoughts were with the families and friends of the missing men. She also issued a direct appeal to the public regarding traditional festive swims.
"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 said. This warning comes despite the Met Office's yellow wind warning for the South West expiring at the end of Christmas Day.
Weather Conditions and Wider Impact
The incident occurred on a day marked by challenging conditions. The Met Office had issued a yellow warning for wind, forecasting gusts of 45-65mph along exposed coasts and warning of large waves. This severe weather had already led to the cancellation of several organised Christmas and Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall.
HM Coastguard coordinated the search effort, which included resources from Exmouth, Beer, Teignmouth, and Torbay. The maritime search was officially concluded at 5pm. The South Western Ambulance Service confirmed they treated three people at the scene, with one person taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a precaution.
Police enquiries are continuing on land. Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police quoting log 191 of 25 December.
