Key Takeaways
- A coastguard search for two men who went missing in the sea off Devon during a Christmas Day swim has been called off.
- The two men, one in his 40s and another in his 60s, could not be found after a number of people were safely brought to shore.
- The search was stood down at 5pm, but police said onshore inquiries continued into the evening.
- The men’s families have been informed, and police have urged people not to get into the water on Boxing Day.
- A number of Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were cancelled this year due to a yellow weather warning for wind on Christmas Day.
Introduction to the Incident
A coastguard search for two men who went missing in the sea off Devon during a Christmas Day swim has been called off. The incident occurred at Budleigh Salterton, where emergency services were called at 10:25am on Christmas Day regarding concerns for people in the water. A number of people were safely brought to shore, but two men, one in his 40s and another in his 60s, could not be found. Of the people who were brought to shore, two were checked by paramedics, and one was taken by ambulance to hospital as a precaution. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of sea swims, especially during the winter months when weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The coastguard stopped searching the water at 5pm, but police said onshore inquiries continued into the evening. The search effort involved Exmouth and Beer coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, coastguard search and rescue helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. The police and ambulance service also assisted in the search. Despite the extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the two men could not be found, and the coastguard part of the search was stood down at 5pm. The men’s families have been informed, and the police are continuing to investigate the incident.
Police Response and Warning
On Christmas Day, Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall police responded to the incident, saying that officers had responded to "a truly tragic incident" in Budleigh Salterton. She expressed her thoughts and sympathies to 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. While there is no official weather warning in place on Boxing Day, the police have urged people not to get into the water, citing the unpredictable weather conditions. This warning comes after a number of official and unofficial swims were cancelled due to a yellow weather warning for wind on Christmas Day.
Cancellation of Sea Swims
A number of Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were cancelled this year due to a yellow weather warning for wind on Christmas Day. The police and coastguard have warned people about the dangers of sea swims, especially during the winter months when weather conditions can be unpredictable. The incident at Budleigh Salterton has highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety when engaging in water activities. While the search for the two missing men has been called off, the police and coastguard will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance to the public on how to stay safe.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident at Budleigh Salterton has raised concerns about the safety of sea swims, and the police and coastguard are urging people to exercise caution when engaging in water activities. The search for the two missing men may have been called off, but the investigation is ongoing, and the police are continuing to gather information and speak to witnesses. As the holiday season continues, it is essential for people to prioritize their safety and the safety of others. By being aware of the weather conditions and taking necessary precautions, people can enjoy the water while minimizing the risk of accidents. The incident at Budleigh Salterton serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and the need for people to be vigilant when engaging in water activities.
