The festive cheer of Christmas Day turned to anguish in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, as a joyful tradition – a Christmas Day swim – took a devastating turn. Emergency services launched a massive search operation after reports of people struggling in the turbulent waters, but as darkness fell, two men remained missing.
Witnesses described a day of powerful waves, reaching at least six feet, crashing over swimmers. The sea, already cold and whipped by winds gusting up to 65mph, presented a hidden danger beneath the surface of festive fun. It was the sound of approaching helicopters that first signaled the unfolding tragedy.
One of the missing men has been identified as Matthew Upham, described by those who know him as a kind and cheerful presence in the local community. A heartfelt plea echoed through the town: “It would be the best Christmas present of all to find him safe and well.”
The search involved a comprehensive response from HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats from multiple stations, and search and rescue helicopters. Crews battled challenging conditions for hours, tirelessly scanning the sea, but their efforts yielded no sign of the missing men. One swimmer was recovered from the water and received medical attention.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the search and rescue operations have concluded, and the families of the missing men have been informed. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar expressed the force’s deep concern, stating their thoughts were with the families and all those affected by the “truly tragic incident.”
Local resident Julia Robb, who had been observing the swimmers earlier in the day, spoke of the shock felt throughout the small, close-knit community. “It is just awful,” she said, recalling a morning that began with a positive atmosphere but ended in heartbreaking uncertainty.
Despite the lifting of official weather warnings, authorities urgently cautioned against swimming in the sea on Boxing Day, emphasizing the inherent risks even in seemingly calmer conditions. The incident served as a stark reminder of the sea’s unpredictable power.
The MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, David Reed, expressed his sadness and offered his support to the emergency services, acknowledging their dedication to the community. He also paused his own celebration of the Christmas Day swim in Exmouth, out of respect for the unfolding tragedy in Budleigh Salterton.
As Boxing Day dawned, the grim reality remained: both men were still missing. Police inquiries continue, and a presence remains at the scene, while a community grapples with the devastating loss and holds onto a fragile hope for answers.
