Two men are feared missing in the sea off a Devon beach after a group of people were reported to be in difficulty on Christmas morning.
Major Emergency Response Launched
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10:25am on Thursday, 25 December 2025, following serious concerns for individuals in the water. A significant multi-agency operation was immediately launched.
HM Coastguard confirmed it was alerted at around 10am. In response, Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams were dispatched alongside RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay. Coastguard search and rescue helicopters were also sent to assist, working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police and ambulance crews.
People Recovered Amid Ongoing Search
A number of people were successfully and safely recovered to the shore. The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust reported that they were called at 10:10am.
Two individuals were treated and discharged at the scene, while one person was taken by land ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a precaution.
However, the search continues for two men who remain unaccounted for. A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police stated: “Two men remain missing at this time and searches and enquiries are ongoing in efforts to locate them.”
Police have informed the next of kin of one man and are working to contact the family of the second, having already spoken to a local friend.
Severe Weather Warnings Disrupt Traditions
The incident occurred on a day of challenging conditions. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for wind for parts of southwest England and Wales, active from 4am until 11:59pm on Christmas Day.
The forecast warned of strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds with peak gusts of 45-55mph, potentially reaching 55-65mph along exposed coasts. The forecaster also highlighted that “large waves will be an additional hazard on some coasts,” leading to possible transport and power disruptions.
As a result, several traditional Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were cancelled. Authorities issued a stern safety plea. The police spokeswoman urged: “We ask that people do not enter the water for public safety reasons – due to the current weather warnings we ask that this is the case today and for any Boxing Day swims.”
Anyone with information that could assist the search is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or via their website, quoting log number 191 of 25 December.
