Two men went missing after a group of swimmers encountered rough seas on a beach in southwest England on Christmas Day, police said Thursday.
Devon and Cornwall Police said authorities were called to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10.25am after the group encountered difficult water.
Police said several people were safely brought to shore and either examined by emergency personnel at the scene or taken to hospital as a precaution.
However, the two men, one in their 40s and one in their 60s, were never recovered and remain missing.
Police led an “extensive” search for the men, but efforts stalled as darkness fell.
Superintendent Haley Koster said in a statement: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing, as well as everyone who witnessed and was affected by the incident.”
Mr Koster said several weather warnings had been issued this week and some official and unofficial swims had been cancelled.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for “strong and gusty winds from the east to northeast” with gusts of up to 55 to 65 mph on Christmas Day.
“While there is no official warning in place for tomorrow, we would urge anyone planning to go swimming on Boxing Day not to do so,” Mr Coster said.
