Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed the recovery of a body in the ongoing search for two swimmers who vanished during a Christmas Day sea swim. The discovery was made on the shore at Sandy Bay, Exmouth, at approximately 8.45am on Tuesday morning.
Tragic Discovery Following Festive Swim
The recovered individual is believed to be one of two men who went missing while participating in a traditional Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon. Although formal identification procedures are still pending, the man's next of kin have been informed of this development.
The two swimmers encountered serious difficulties in the water amid challenging weather conditions characterised by high winds and rough seas. The recovered 47-year-old man was swimming alongside 63-year-old antiques dealer Matthew Upham, who remains unaccounted for following the incident.
Dangerous Conditions During Traditional Dip
The men were among dozens of participants who had taken part in the festive cold water plunge, only to find themselves in serious trouble within seconds due to unexpectedly large swells caused by the adverse weather. What began as a traditional Christmas celebration quickly turned into a dangerous situation as swimmers struggled against the powerful conditions.
Superintendent Ryan Doyle of Devon and Cornwall Police expressed the force's condolences, stating: '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.'
Tributes Pour In for Missing Antiques Dealer
Matthew Upham, the 63-year-old who remains missing, has been described by friends as an exceptionally strong swimmer with extensive experience in coastal waters. Singer Kate Bush, who had known Mr Upham for three decades, paid heartfelt tribute to her 'very dearest friend' on her website.
'He was one of those people who touched everyone he met,' wrote the Running Up That Hill singer. 'He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full. He was also a great deal of fun. His family are heartbroken and, along with many of his friends, so am I.'
Heroic Attempt to Save Fellow Swimmer
Reports emerging from the incident suggest that Mr Upham displayed remarkable bravery during the emergency. According to accounts from friends, after initially making progress back toward safety, he spotted a woman struggling beyond the surf line and turned back to assist her.
A friend of thirty years told media outlets: 'Matthew swam back out to reach her but as he did so a huge wave crashed into him and dragged him under. He hasn't been seen since. From what I've been told, he'd actually made it out of danger initially and was about to reach the beach but turned back when he saw the woman struggling.'
The woman reportedly made it back to shore safely, but Mr Upham disappeared beneath the waves. His friend emphasised: 'I think it's important that people know that the reason he's missing is because he went back out to save someone - he was a very strong swimmer who knew that stretch of coast like the back of his hand.'
Community Mourning and Police Investigation
Superintendent Doyle confirmed that both families affected by the tragedy are receiving support from specially trained officers. 'The family of the second missing man has also been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts remain with them,' he stated, adding that the families have requested privacy during this difficult period.
Matthew Upham had run an antique business in Fulham for many years before relocating to Devon, where he specialised in chandeliers and occasionally appeared in YouTube videos about antiques. Friends describe him as someone who respected the sea while maintaining an active lifestyle that included regular swimming and kayaking.
Separate Coastal Tragedy in Yorkshire
This tragic discovery comes shortly after another coastal incident in Yorkshire resulted in multiple fatalities. The body of 15-year-old Grace Keeling was recovered last week after she was swept out to sea while wave-watching at Withernsea Beach in East Riding of Yorkshire on January 2nd.
In that separate incident, Grace's mother Sarah Keeling, 45, and Good Samaritan Mark Ratcliffe, 67, both lost their lives after rushing into the water to help the teenager. Their bodies were recovered within hours, but difficult conditions delayed the recovery of Grace's body until several days later.
Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers of Humberside Police commented on that tragedy: 'This was a deeply upsetting incident, and I cannot begin to understand the heartbreak felt by all the loved ones of those involved.' An inquest into the deaths of Sarah Keeling and Mr Ratcliffe has been opened this month.
Both incidents serve as sobering reminders of the power of coastal waters and the importance of exercising extreme caution around the sea, particularly during periods of adverse weather conditions. The search continues for Matthew Upham as the community mourns these tragic losses.
