A major search operation for two men missing in the sea off the Devon coast was stood down on Christmas Day evening, casting a shadow over the festive period.
Emergency Response on Christmas Morning
Devon and Cornwall Police and the coastguard were first alerted at approximately 10.25am on Thursday, 25 December 2025, following reports of people in difficulty in the water at Budleigh Salterton.
Multiple emergency service teams rushed to the scene. While several individuals were successfully brought to safety from the water, one person was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
Two Men Remain Unaccounted For
Despite the rescue efforts, two men could not be located. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the next of kin for one of the missing men had been informed.
Officers stated they were continuing efforts to contact the family of the second missing individual. The coastguard's maritime element of the search was formally abandoned later on Christmas Day.
Dangerous Conditions Disrupt Festive Swims
The incident occurred during a challenging period of weather. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds and large waves along the coast.
These dangerous conditions led to the cancellation of numerous planned Christmas Day and Boxing Day charity swims across the region, as organisers prioritised public safety.
The community of Budleigh Salterton and the wider Devon area now await further updates from the authorities as the investigation continues.
