A body has been discovered in the search for two men who went missing during a Christmas Day swim on the south coast. Devon and Cornwall Police said the body was found on the shore at Sandy Bay in Exmouth at around 8.45am on Tuesday. It is believed to be the 47-year-old man who disappeared while swimming at Budleigh Salterton on December 25, although formal identification has yet to take place. His next of kin have been informed.
The man got into difficulty at Budleigh Salterton Beach alongside 63-year-old antiques dealer Matthew Upham, who remains unaccounted for. 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." He added: "The family of the second missing man has also been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts remain with them."
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day after concerns for people in the stormy water. Local resident Julia Robb described how "six-foot waves" were "breaking over people" on the "very cold and windy" morning. A number of people were safely recovered to shore and checked by paramedics or taken to hospital as a precaution, but two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were not located.
Footage from the scene before the men disappeared showed people "laughing and cheering" as crowds entered the water, moments before a huge wave powered through the group, causing screams and panic. Mike Brown, one of those rescued, said: "It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I've ever tried to swim in. With hindsight it was clearly a mistake to try and get in." He was saved by two local men who plunged into the water fully clothed to reach him.
The investigation continues, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The second missing man, Matthew Upham, remains the subject of the ongoing search.
