Urgent Search Underway for Two Men Missing Off Devon Coast on Christmas Day
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A large-scale search operation is underway off the coast of Devon, England, after emergency services received reports of two men missing in the water near budleigh Salterton on Christmas Day.
devon and Cornwall Police were alerted to concerns for individuals in the water at 10:25 a.m. local time.Authorities have confirmed that several people have been safely brought ashore and are receiving precautionary medical attention at a local hospital.However,the search continues for the two men who remain unaccounted for.
Extensive Multi-Agency Response
The operation involves a coordinated effort from multiple agencies, including the Coastguard and the RNLI (Royal National lifeboat Institution).According to a police spokesperson, Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, and coastguard search and rescue helicopters have all been deployed to assist in the search.
“Coastguard and RNLI crews are continuing search efforts in the water,” the spokesperson stated.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid entering the water due to hazardous conditions. This warning extends to planned Christmas and Boxing Day swims, with several events in Devon and Cornwall already cancelled as a precaution. “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 spokesperson added.
Severe Weather Conditions Hamper Search Efforts
The search is being complicated by severe weather conditions across the South West of England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow alert for cold, remaining in effect until midday on Saturday.Simultaneously, the Met Office has issued a warning for strong, gusty winds.
The Met Office has cautioned of “strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds” throughout Christmas Day, with peak gusts potentially reaching 55-65 mph along exposed coasts and near hills. Thes conditions are expected to cause disruption to transport and power supplies, and create risky waves along the coastline.
One social media user commented on the police’s post, stating, “Our local swim was cancelled and quite right too, the swell is huge and the wind is set to increase.”
The next of kin of one of the missing men have been notified, while efforts to contact the family of the second man are ongoing. A local friend of the second man has been informed.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are continuing to monitor the weather conditions as the search progresses.
Why: A search and rescue operation was launched after reports of two men missing in the water.
Who: Devon and Cornwall Police, the Coastguard, and the RNLI are leading the search. The missing individuals are two men whose identities have not been released.
what: Two men went missing off the coast of Budleigh Salterton, Devon, on Christmas Day. Several others were rescued and received medical attention.
How: The search involves coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats, and search and rescue helicopters. It is hampered by severe weather, including strong winds and cold temperatures.
Update (as of December 25th, 2023): As of this report, the search for the two missing men is ongoing. Authorities have notified the next of kin of one man and are working to contact the family of the other. The operation remains fluid, dependent on weather conditions, and is being closely monitored by emergency services. There is no current information on whether the men have been found.
