Two men remain missing following a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, a beach on the southern coast of the United Kingdom. The incident occurred when a group of swimmers encountered rough waters, prompting emergency services to respond shortly after 10:25 a.m. on December 25, 2023.
Authorities from the Devon and Cornwall Police reported that several individuals were safely rescued and assessed by paramedics at the scene. A few were transported to the hospital as a precaution. Unfortunately, two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, have not been located despite extensive search efforts.
Search Efforts and Weather Warnings
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar confirmed that search operations were extensive but were suspended as night fell. In a statement, she expressed condolences to the families and friends of the missing men, as well as to those who witnessed the distressing incident.
Costar highlighted that multiple weather warnings had been issued leading up to Christmas Day, with the Met Office predicting “strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds” with gusts reaching up to 65 mph. These warnings contributed to the cancellation of some official and unofficial swimming events in the area.
Authorities are urging caution. “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,” Costar added.
The ongoing situation has raised concerns about water safety, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The police are continuing their efforts to locate the missing men, and community members are encouraged to stay informed about safety measures when engaging in water activities.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome while reflecting on the inherent risks associated with swimming in unpredictable conditions. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
