The coastguard has called off the search for two men who went missing during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon. The family of Matthew Upham, one of the missing men, has paid tribute to him, describing him as “deeply loved and forever missed” in a statement on his antiques business Instagram account.
Emergency services were called at 10.25am on Christmas Day after concerns were raised for people in the water. Several swimmers were brought safely to shore, but two men—one in his 40s and another in his 60s—could not be found. Two of those rescued were checked by paramedics, and one was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The coastguard search was stood down at 5pm on Christmas Day after extensive shoreline and offshore searches. Police confirmed on Boxing Day that both men remain missing, with onshore inquiries continuing. The families of the men have been informed. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police described it as “a truly tragic incident” and urged people not to enter the water despite no official weather warnings on Boxing Day.
Witness Julia Robb said it had been a “very cold and windy” day with waves of at least 6ft. She expressed sympathy for those affected, noting the incident would be shocking for the close-knit community.
