A Christmas Day tradition turned to tragedy in Devon as two men were swept out to sea during a swim in rough conditions, with one now named as local antiques dealer Matthew Upham.
Major Search Operation Launched
Emergency services were called to the beach at Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on December 25 following reports that a group of people were in difficulty in the water. A significant multi-agency response was immediately launched.
RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Torbay, and Teignmouth were tasked by HM Coastguard, alongside Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams and coastguard search and rescue helicopters. Police and ambulance services also attended the scene.
While several people were safely recovered from the water and checked by paramedics, two men could not be located. The extensive search continued throughout the day.
Victims Identified and Community in Mourning
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed the two missing men are aged in their 40s and 60s. The older man has been identified as 63-year-old Matthew Upham, a well-liked local antiques dealer. It is understood the younger man, who remains unnamed, had reportedly entered the water in an attempt to rescue Mr Upham.
One of Mr Upham's friends described him to the Daily Mail as an "exceptionally kind" man who was very popular in the area. The families of both men have been informed.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Today, emergency services have been responding to a truly tragic incident in Budleigh Salterton. Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing."
Dangerous Conditions and Warnings Ignored
The incident occurred despite a Met Office yellow weather warning for wind being in force across South West England on Christmas Day. The warning, active from 4am until 11.59pm, forecasted strong easterly gusts of 45-65 mph, with large waves posing an additional hazard on coasts.
This had already led to the cancellation of several official and unofficial Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall. Witnesses at the scene described the sea as the roughest it had been in years.
Phillip Stoneman, a BBC journalist present, stated: "The waves swept some people exiting the sea off their feet and other swimmers were helping them out."
Search Concluded as Darkness Fell
After hours of combing the shoreline and offshore areas, the coastguard and RNLI stood down their searches at approximately 5pm as daylight faded. Police enquiries on land continued into the evening.
In a full statement, an RNLI spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident and the family and friends of the two people who are missing."
Authorities have issued a stern warning to the public. Police urged people not to enter the water for public safety reasons, extending the advice to any planned Boxing Day swims. They have asked anyone with information to contact them, quoting log number 191 of December 25.
