Body found in search for missing Christmas Day swimmers
The man, thought to be 47 years old, had been missing for weeks after going for a Christmas Day swim.
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:33, UK
The body of a swimmer who disappeared on Christmas Day has been found.
The man, believed to be 47 years old, had been missing for weeks after going for a Christmas swim at Budleigh Salterton Beach in Exmouth.
A second man, in his 60s and from East Devon, remains missing.
Devon and Cornwall Police were called on Tuesday after the man's body was spotted on the shore at around 8.45am.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next-of-kin has been informed.
Formal identification is yet to be carried out.
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Superintendent Ryan Doyle said: "This discovery is very sad news following the upsetting and tragic incident on Christmas Day.
"We have spoken with his family and we are continuing to support them through this difficult time.
"Understandably, they have asked for their privacy to be respected.
"The family of the second missing man has also been informed and are being supported.
"Our thoughts remain with them."
A number of swims on Christmas and Boxing Day in Devon and Cornwall had been cancelled last year due to a yellow weather warning for wind that covered parts of the south west.
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Coastguard rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer along with RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay had attended to search for the pair on Boxing Day.
RNLI Torbay and RNLI Teignmouth described the conditions at sea as "punishing".