Two men remain missing after an incident in the water at Budleigh Salterton earlier today (Wednesday 25 December).
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach at around 10.25am following reports that a group of people had got into difficulty while in the water.
A number of individuals were safely brought ashore and were either checked by paramedics at the scene or taken to hospital as a precaution. However, two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were not located during the search and are currently still missing. Their families have been informed.
Extensive searches were carried out throughout the day involving multiple emergency service teams. Coastguard and RNLI crews have now concluded their searches at the scene, although some police enquiries on land are continuing this evening.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar said: “Today, emergency services have been responding to a truly tragic incident in Budleigh Salterton.
“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.
“The local community will have seen a significant amount of emergency services in the area throughout the day as extensive enquiries have been ongoing. As dark falls, a number of these searches have been stood down, with some police enquiries on land continuing this evening.”
Police have also issued a warning to the public following the incident. Weather warnings have been in place this week, and a number of official and unofficial swims have already been cancelled. While there are currently no official warnings in place for Boxing Day, police are urging anyone considering swimming in the sea not to do so.
Anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation and has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or report online, quoting log 191 of 25/12/25.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
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