A major coastguard search for two men believed missing in the sea off a Devon beach on Christmas Day has been called off after extensive efforts failed to locate them.
Christmas Day Emergency Response
Emergency services were alerted at 10.10am on Wednesday 25 December 2025 following reports of people in difficulty in the water at Budleigh Salterton. The coastguard received a call at 10.25am with specific concerns for individuals in the sea.
A significant multi-agency operation swung into action. Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams were dispatched alongside RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay. The search was supported by coastguard search and rescue helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, Devon and Cornwall Police, and the South Western Ambulance Service.
Rescues and Hospitalisations
During the operation, a number of people were safely brought to shore. The ambulance service confirmed they treated and discharged two individuals at the scene. One person was taken by land ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a precautionary measure.
Despite these successful rescues, two men remained unaccounted for. Police stated that the next of kin of one man had been informed, while officers were continuing efforts to speak to the family of the second man, having already informed a local friend.
Search Called Off Amid Dangerous Conditions
After combing the shoreline and offshore areas throughout Christmas Day, the coastguard made the difficult decision to stand down its part of the search at 5pm.
Devon and Cornwall Police emphasised that their searches and inquiries to locate the two missing men are continuing. A police spokeswoman urged the public to stay out of the water for their own safety, citing the dangerous conditions highlighted by active weather warnings.
The incident occurred on a day of severe weather across the South West. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for wind, in effect from 4am until 11.59pm on Christmas Day. Forecasters warned of strong easterly gusts of 45-65mph, potential transport disruption, and large, hazardous waves on some coasts.
Festive Swims Cancelled
The dangerous conditions led to the cancellation of a number of traditional Christmas and Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall. Organisers cited the yellow warning and the clear risks posed by the powerful winds and rough seas.
Authorities have reiterated their safety plea, asking people to avoid entering the water. The police spokeswoman specifically mentioned that this advice applied for Boxing Day swims as well, given the ongoing hazardous marine conditions.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or via the force's website, quoting log number 191 of 25 December.
