Two men are currently missing after a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, located on the southern coast of the United Kingdom. The incident occurred when a group encountered challenging water conditions, prompting a response from local authorities on December 25, 2023.
At approximately 10:25 a.m., Devon and Cornwall Police received reports of difficulties faced by the swimmers. While several individuals were safely brought back to shore and assessed by paramedics, two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, remain unaccounted for.
Police have conducted extensive search efforts throughout the day, but as night fell, those efforts were temporarily halted. “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,” stated Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar.
Weather conditions were a significant factor in the incident. The Met Office had issued warnings for strong and gusty winds, with gusts reaching between 55 and 65 mph on Christmas Day. Detective Superintendent Costar noted that these warnings had already led to the cancellation of some official and unofficial swimming events.
Although no official warnings were in place for December 26, Costar urged caution for anyone planning to swim in the sea the following day. “We urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to,” she emphasized.
As the search continues for the two men, local authorities remain on high alert, emphasizing the importance of safety in aquatic environments, especially during adverse weather conditions. The community is rallying to support the families affected by this tragic situation.
