Christmas Day swimmers missing in sea in Devon after people ‘seen getting into difficulty’

Published 1 hour ago
Source: metro.co.uk

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Two Christmas Day swimmers are believed to be missing in the sea off the Devon coast after concerns for a number of people in the water.

The two men are thought to be missing off the beach at Budleigh Salterton, Devon & Cornwall Police said.

Officers have warned locals to stay out of the water at Budleigh and Exmouth beaches as Coastguard and RNLI crews continue their search efforts.

Hundreds of swimmers had been seen gathering at the coast for the unofficial Christmas Day dip.

Emergency services rushed to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10:25am today amid fears for swimmers caught in trouble. Several people have been pulled from the water safely and are receiving medical checks. Coastguard and RNLI Scramble to Rescue Coastguard and RNLI crews are still combing the waters for anyone missing. Police and ambulance teams are on high alert as numerous emergency personnel tackle the situation. "There is a significant emergency response ongoing," warned officials. "For public safety, no one should enter the water along this stretch while the incident unfolds." Christmas Day Swim Warning Issued Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a stern warning to the public: stay out of the sea at Budleigh Salterton and nearby Exmouth for the traditional Christmas Day swim. They said: "Please avoid entering the water or the area. Emergency services are tied up with this incident. Further updates will follow." Hundreds had gathered to take part in unofficial Christmas Day dips at both Budleigh and Exmouth beaches when the emergency struck. HM Coastguard confirmed the alert came in at around 10am, deploying rescue teams from Exmouth, Beer, Torbay, and search and rescue helicopters. Residents Urged to Heed Safety Warnings With the rescue operation still underway, authorities stress the importance of keeping away from the water. The public are urged to prioritise safety and respect emergency services??? work during this critical incident.
Emergency services rushed to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10:25am today (Picture: UKNIP)

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The alarm was raised at 10.25am today following worries about people in the water.

A number of people were safely recovered to the shore and were taken to paramedics to be checked.

RNLI rescue teams were seen riding the waves at the beach as they helped scour the water.

Emergency services at Budleigh Salterton beach in Devon on Christmas Day after a festive swim went ahead but quickly turned into a major incident due to dangerous sea conditions. A number of swimmers were pulled from the water as RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters, police and ambulance crews responded. At least one swimmer remains missing as search efforts continue.
Hundreds of swimmers had gathered at Budleigh and Exmouth beaches (Picture: Seamus McCoy / Plymouth Plus)

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police added: ‘The next of kin of one man have been spoken to. Enquiries to speak to the family of the second man are ongoing, however a local friend has been informed as part of these efforts.

‘A significant amount of emergency service personnel were deployed to the incident and we ask that people do not enter the water for public safety reasons – due to the current weather warnings we ask that this is the case today and for any Boxing Day swims.’

The UK Coastguard confirmed earlier that search teams were helping to search the seas.

It said: ‘HM Coastguard said it was alerted at around 10am.

‘Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth and Torbay and coastguard search and rescue helicopters have been sent to the scene to assist, alongside police and ambulance service.’

Emergency services rushed to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10:25am today amid fears for swimmers caught in trouble. Several people have been pulled from the water safely and are receiving medical checks. Coastguard and RNLI Scramble to Rescue Coastguard and RNLI crews are still combing the waters for anyone missing. Police and ambulance teams are on high alert as numerous emergency personnel tackle the situation. "There is a significant emergency response ongoing," warned officials. "For public safety, no one should enter the water along this stretch while the incident unfolds." Christmas Day Swim Warning Issued Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a stern warning to the public: stay out of the sea at Budleigh Salterton and nearby Exmouth for the traditional Christmas Day swim. They said: "Please avoid entering the water or the area. Emergency services are tied up with this incident. Further updates will follow." Hundreds had gathered to take part in unofficial Christmas Day dips at both Budleigh and Exmouth beaches when the emergency struck. HM Coastguard confirmed the alert came in at around 10am, deploying rescue teams from Exmouth, Beer, Torbay, and search and rescue helicopters. Residents Urged to Heed Safety Warnings With the rescue operation still underway, authorities stress the importance of keeping away from the water. The public are urged to prioritise safety and respect emergency services??? work during this critical incident.
The water was choppy off the Devon coast due to a yellow weather warning (Picture: UKNIP)

A weather warning is in place in Devon today for ‘strong and gust east to northeasterly winds’.

The warning states it’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.

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