Rough Seas Sweep Two Men Out to Sea During Christmas Day Swim in Budleigh Salterton; Antiques Dealer Matthew Upham Among Missing
Key Takeaways
- Two men were swept out to sea during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton.
- 63-year-old antiques dealer Matthew Upham was identified as one of the missing men.
- Coastguard, RNLI and aerial teams conducted extensive sea and shoreline searches before standing down.
Budleigh Salterton sea incident
Rough seas swept swimmers off Budleigh Salterton during traditional Christmas Day swims, and two men remain missing.
“Two men remain missing after going into the sea during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, Devon”
Emergency services were alerted at about 10:25am and a large multi-agency response was launched.
Devon and Cornwall Police, HM Coastguard and the RNLI attended after reports of people in difficulty.
One person was recovered from the water, while two men — one in his 60s, later named as antiques dealer Matthew Upham, and a man in his 40s — were not found.
Authorities said searches and enquiries are ongoing and families have been informed.
Coastal search and rescue
Search-and-rescue teams mounted an extensive shoreline and offshore operation involving RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay, coastguard rescue teams, search-and-rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Several other swimmers were brought ashore and checked by paramedics.
Crews recovered one person, helped multiple others and conducted an almost seven-hour search before suspending on-scene searches at about 17:00, when agencies said searches were stood down for safety reasons.
Hazardous coastal conditions
Witnesses and emergency services described hazardous sea conditions on the morning of the incident, reporting very large breaking waves and a Met Office yellow wind warning in force for exposed coasts.
“The family of Matthew Upham have named him as one of the swimmers who went missing on Christmas Day The family of one of two men who went missing during a Christmas Day swim say they are "heartbroken" at his disappearance”
Eyewitnesses gave differing estimates of wave height, with some describing nearly 10ft waves while other local observers spoke of 6ft breaking waves.
Outlets reported gusts in the range of 55–65mph on exposed coasts and urged the public to avoid the shoreline.
Family tributes and community reaction
Mr Upham's family have issued tributes and asked for privacy as they grieve.
A family statement shared on his business's Instagram described him as 'deeply loved' and 'beloved'.
The statement also thanked emergency services for their 'dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts' and reiterated a request for privacy while they mourn.
Local outlets and community commenters echoed the shock and sorrow felt in the town, noting Mr Upham ran a well-known antiques business and was a familiar daily swimmer.
Variations in news reporting
Several outlets report the younger man is believed to have gone in to try to help Mr Upham.
At least one local report notes a claim that has not been independently confirmed.
Authorities have urged the public not to enter the water amid ongoing police enquiries.
Multiple outlets say some planned festive swims were cancelled because of the wind warning.
Where reporting diverges it is largely in emphasis: local outlets and tabloids foreground personal and emotive detail, mainstream outlets focus on official statements, and some local sources add contextual community detail.
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