Two swimmers missing after multiple revellers on Christmas Day dip are pulled from the sea in Devon
Two men are believed to be missing at sea off a beach in Devon after several people were reported to be in distress on Christmas morning.
Emergency services were called to the beach at Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am following concerns about swimmers.
A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued in Devon today, warning that east to north-east winds will be particularly strong and gusty.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, several people were brought safely to shore and will be checked by paramedics.
Coastguard and RNLI teams continue their search efforts in the water.
A spokesman for the force said: ‘A significant number of emergency personnel are working on this incident and for public safety reasons we would ask people not to enter the water along this coastline while this incident is ongoing.’
HM Coastguard said the alarm was raised at around 10am. As well as police and ambulance services, Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth and Torbay and coastguard search and rescue helicopters were dispatched to assist at the scene.
Hundreds of people were seen gathering on Exmouth and Budleigh beaches this morning for an unofficial Christmas Day swim.
Emergency services were called to the beach at Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am following concerns about swimmers.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, several people were brought safely to shore and will be checked by paramedics.
HM Coastguard said the alarm was raised at around 10am
Earlier, Devon and Cornwall Police had urged people to stay away from the sea due to ‘an incident on the water’.
Police said: ‘Please do not enter the water and stay away from the area.
‘We are also urgently asking members of the public not to enter the water at Exmouth for a swim on Christmas Day while emergency services are dealing with this incident.’
One local said: ‘Terrible.
‘With many regular events being cancelled, advice has been clearly given not to swim today.
‘We hope for a positive outcome for everyone affected.’
Another said: ‘People saw the state of the sea today and thought going swimming probably wasn’t the best idea?’
Another added: ‘Our local swimming event has been canceled and that’s quite right too.
‘The swell was huge and the wind started to pick up.
‘You don’t have to go in today and wait until things calm down.’
The warning states that some coastal roads, sea fronts and coastal communities may be affected by fallout and/or large waves.
This is a story of breaking. More to follow.
