Two men are missing following a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, a beach located on the southern coast of the United Kingdom. On December 25, 2023, a group encountered challenging water conditions, prompting emergency services to respond at approximately 10:25 a.m. According to the Devon and Cornwall Police, while several swimmers were successfully brought to shore and assessed by paramedics, two individuals, aged in their 40s and 60s, have not been located.
The police initiated extensive searches for the missing men throughout the day. However, these efforts were halted as night fell. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar expressed concern for the families and friends of the missing individuals, stating, “Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing and to all who may have witnessed and been impacted by the incident.”
Weather Conditions and Safety Warnings
Prior to the incident, several weather warnings had been issued, which led to the cancellation of both official and unofficial swimming activities in the area. The Met Office had forecast strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds on Christmas Day, with gusts reaching up to 55-65 mph. In light of these conditions, Detective Superintendent Costar urged caution for anyone considering swimming on Boxing Day, emphasizing the potential dangers of the sea.
“There are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, but we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to,” she added.
As the search continues, local authorities are working diligently to provide support to the families affected by this tragic incident. The community remains hopeful for a positive outcome, even as concerns about safety during adverse weather conditions persist.
