Overview
- HM Coastguard and RNLI ended their searches at 5pm following extensive shoreline and offshore operations involving helicopters and a fixed‑wing aircraft.
- Devon and Cornwall Police said the missing men are in their 40s and 60s, and their families have been informed.
- Emergency services were alerted around 10am, with police logging the incident at 10:25am; several people were recovered to shore, one was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and two were treated at the scene.
- Authorities urged people not to enter the sea on Boxing Day and asked anyone with information to contact police quoting log 191 of 25/12/25.
- The incident followed a Met Office yellow warning for strong winds and large waves, and hundreds had gathered for unofficial festive dips at Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth.