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Christmas Swim Disaster: Two Missing in Stormy Seas
26 Dec
Summary
- Two men remain missing after being swept out to sea on Christmas Day.
- Stormy conditions with 65mph winds created huge, dangerous swells.
- Locals question why the traditional Christmas swim was allowed to proceed.
A Christmas Day swim in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, turned to tragedy when two men were swept out to sea amidst severe stormy weather. Winds reaching up to 65mph generated massive swells, pulling several participants underwater and necessitating immediate rescue efforts.
Despite a comprehensive search operation involving Exmouth and Beer Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats, and a search and rescue helicopter, the two missing swimmers, one in his 40s and the other in his 60s, have not yet been found. Searches continued throughout Christmas Day, with the coastguard concluding their efforts at 5 pm.
Anger and concern are growing among local residents who question why the traditional, though unorganised, event was permitted to go ahead in such perilous conditions. Authorities have since issued urgent warnings against participating in similar sea swims, particularly for Boxing Day, due to ongoing hazardous weather.
