Search Continues for Two Missing Swimmers After Christmas Day Incident

Two men are currently missing following a Christmas Day swimming event at Budleigh Salterton beach in the southern coastal region of the United Kingdom. The incident occurred early on December 25, 2023, when a group of swimmers encountered challenging water conditions. Devon and Cornwall Police were alerted at 10:25 a.m. and quickly responded to the scene.

Authorities reported that several individuals were successfully brought back to shore and assessed by paramedics. Some were taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. Unfortunately, the two missing men, aged in their 40s and 60s, have not yet been located. The police conducted extensive search efforts throughout the day, but operations were suspended as darkness fell.

Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar expressed her concern for the families involved, 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 be impacted by the incident.” Costar noted that there were multiple weather warnings issued prior to the swim, which had led to some swimming events being canceled.

The Met Office had issued a warning for Christmas Day, highlighting strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds, with gusts reaching between 55-65 mph. Despite the absence of official warnings for the following day, Costar urged caution regarding swimming plans, advising, “We urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to.”

The community remains hopeful for the safe return of the missing men as search efforts may be resumed when conditions improve.