Coastguard search for missing Devon sea swimmers called off | Devon

A coastguard search for two men who disappeared at sea off Devon during a Christmas Day swim has been called off.

Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day after concerns grew about people in the water.

Several people were brought safely to shore but two men, one in his 40s and the other in his 60s, were not found. While 2 of the rescued people were checked by medical teams, 1 was taken to the hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

The coast guard stopped searching the water at 5 p.m., but police said shore investigations continued into the evening. The men’s families were informed.

While there is no official weather warning on Boxing Day, some sea swimming events have been canceled and police in Devon and Cornwall have urged people not to go into the water.

Det Supt Hayley Costar, of Devon and Cornwall police, said that on Christmas Day, officers responded to a “truly tragic incident” in Budleigh Salterton. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two men currently missing and everyone who witnessed and was affected by the incident,” he said.

“Weather warnings have been issued this week and a number of official and unofficial swims have already been cancelled. Although there are no official warnings for tomorrow, we would urge anyone planning to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to do so.”

The coast guard said the search was stopped at 5 p.m. A spokesman said: “Alerted at around 10am, Exmouth and Beer coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay, coastguard search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were dispatched to assist at the scene, alongside police and ambulance services.

“Searches continued throughout the day to find two men believed to be still in the water. Following extensive searches of the coastline and offshore, the coastguard portion of the search was discontinued at 5pm.”

Julia Robb, who watched the men swim at the beach before they disappeared, said it was a “very cold and windy” day and the waves could have been “at least six feet”. He said it was only when he heard the helicopters that it became clear something was wrong.

Robb added: “It was a sad thing to have happened on such a positive morning. I just feel sorry for those affected. I think it will be shocking to the whole community. We’re a small town. People are very friendly. I think it’s important to think of the friends and families of those affected.”