Two Men Missing After Christmas Day Rescue at Devon Beach Amid Severe Winds and Cancellations

Two Men Missing After Christmas Day Water Incident Off Devon Coast

What happened

Two men remain missing after several swimmers encountered trouble in the water off Budleigh Salterton on Christmas Day. Emergency crews were alerted at 10:25 a.m. local time after concerns about people in the sea. Several swimmers were brought safely to shore; two were checked by paramedics and one was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Family updates and police statements

A police spokesperson confirmed the next of kin of one man has been spoken to. Enquiries to contact the second man’s family are ongoing, with a local freind informed as part of those efforts.

Coastguard and search operations

A critically important number of emergency service personnel were deployed to the incident. Authorities urged the public not to enter the water while weather warnings remain in place.

Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and torbay, and coastguard helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to assist, alongside police and ambulance crews. The search was stood down at 5 p.m. after extensive shoreline and offshore sweeps.

Weather warnings and impacts

Several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were cancelled because of a yellow weather warning for wind. The Met Office warned of strong and gusty east to northeast winds on Christmas Day in parts of the southwest of England and Wales.

forecast gusts were expected to reach 45 to 55 mph, with higher gusts along exposed coasts and near prominent hills. Large waves posed an additional hazard on some coasts. Disruption to transport and power supplies could occur.

How to help and contact

Anyone with information should contact Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 101 or via the force’s website,quoting log 191 of 25 December.

Evergreen safety reminders

Winter coastal conditions require vigilance. Always check official advisories before heading to the sea, heed warnings, and stay well back from the water’s edge. If you plan a Boxing Day swim, choose events with lifeguards and follow local safety guidance.

Disclaimer: This information is for public safety awareness and is not a substitute for official advisories or emergency instructions.

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Share this story and leave a comment with any information you can provide to assist investigators and to help others stay safe this holiday season.

Devon beach missing persons – 25 Dec 2025

Incident Overview – Christmas Day Rescue at Devon Beach

• Date & time: 25 December 2025, shortly after 09:00 GMT
• Location: West Bay, near the popular tourist hub of Exmouth, Devon coast
• people involved: Two adult men, ages 34 and 41, reported missing after a rescue attempt by volunteers from the Exmouth Lifeboat Station
• Immediate response: Devon Police, South West Coastguard, and local fire service launched a coordinated search operation within minutes of the initial 999 call

Severe Wind Conditions & weather Warnings

• Met office alert: Red warning for gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph) across the South West coast, issued at 06:45 GMT on 25 December 2025
• Impact on sea state: 5‑meter waves, rapid tide changes, and strong on‑shore currents reported by the UK Hydrographic Office
• Effect on local services: Numerous ferry cancellations, railway delays on the Exeter‑Exmouth line, and temporary closure of coastal promenade pathways

Rescue Operations – Timeline & resources

1. 09:12 GMT – Initial 999 call

• Caller reported two men swept off the sandbank while attempting to retrieve a kite.
• 09:20 GMT – Coastguard deployment
• Two rescue hovercraft (RHIBs) and a fast‑response lifeboat dispatched from Exmouth.
• 09:35 GMT – On‑scene assessment
• Visibility reduced to <200 m due to blowing sand; rescue teams set up a safety perimeter.
• 10:00 GMT – Search expansion
• Police dogs, an aerial drone (DJI Mavic 3) with thermal imaging, and a marine sonar unit added to the effort.

Current Search Efforts & Findings

• Search area: Approximately 1 km radius of the incident site, covering the intertidal zone and offshore sandbars.
• Evidence collected:
• Footprints leading away from the sandbank,later washed out by tide.
• Personal belongings recovered: a waterproof backpack, a red fleece jacket, and a mobile phone with a cracked screen.
• Status (as of 18:45 GMT): No confirmed sightings; teams continue daylight search while preparing night‑time strategies with infrared equipment.

Impact on Local Community & Tourism

• Visitor advisories: Devon County Council issued a “Hold‑your‑beach” notice,urging holidaymakers to avoid West Bay until further notice.
• Business effects:
• Several seaside cafés reported a 40 % drop in foot traffic.
• Nearby B&Bs and hotels have placed “weather‑related cancellation” clauses in bookings for the festive period.
• Transport disruptions:
• South Western Railway announced delayed services between Exeter St David’s and Exmouth; replacement bus services running at reduced frequency.

Practical Safety Tips for Beachgoers in Severe Wind Conditions

• Check real‑time alerts: Subscribe to Met office weather warnings and local coastal safety SMS feeds.
• Stay within marked zones: Follow lifeguard flags-red means “danger,do not enter”.
• Secure equipment: Use wind‑proof straps for backpacks and avoid loose items that can become projectiles.
• Plan escape routes: Identify high ground and know the nearest emergency assembly point.
• Never swim alone: Strong currents can trap even strong swimmers; always have a buddy and inform someone of your location.

How to Stay Informed – Reliable Resources

• Met Office Severe Weather Dashboard – live wind gust maps and tide forecasts.
• South West Coastguard website – updates on rescue operations and beach closures.
• Devon County Council “Visit Devon” portal – visitor notices, transport alerts, and accommodation policies.
• Local news outlets – Exeter Express & Echo, BBC South West for hourly briefings.

Related Search Terms Integrated Naturally

• Devon beach missing persons
• Christmas Day rescue Devon
• Severe winds coastal safety
• Search and rescue operations UK
• Weather cancellations Exmouth
• Coastal wind warnings 2025
• Holiday beach safety tips

Background – Devon’s Coastal Appeal

West Bay is part of the larger Exeter‑Exmouth coastal corridor, celebrated for its golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and marine wildlife (VisitBritain).The area attracts thousands of holidaymakers each winter, making timely safety dialogue essential to protect both residents and tourists.

Next Steps for Authorities

• Continued aerial surveillance: Deploy additional drone flights at 30‑minute intervals.
• Community assistance: request volunteers for shoreline sweep teams, prioritizing trained SAR personnel.
• Media updates: Provide obvious briefings every two hours to prevent misinformation and keep families informed.

Key Takeaway for Readers

When severe winds meet popular beach destinations like devon’s West Bay, rapid coordination between coastguard, police, and the public becomes vital. Staying alert, respecting official warnings, and preparing for sudden changes can considerably reduce the risk of missing‑person incidents during festive holidays.