The family of a respected antiques dealer have spoken of their heartbreak after he went missing during a Christmas Day swim in stormy seas off the Devon coast.
Search Called Off for Missing Swimmer
Matthew Upham, aged 63, is unaccounted for after a major rescue operation was launched in the seaside town of Budleigh Salterton on the morning of 25 December. The alarm was raised after reports that several people had got into difficulty during the traditional festive swim.
During the incident, a number of individuals were rescued from the turbulent water. They were checked by paramedics at the scene, with some taken to hospital as a precaution. However, two men, one in his 40s and one in his 60s, could not be found. It has been reported that the younger man may have drowned while attempting to save Mr Upham.
'Deeply Loved' Dealer Remembered
A statement posted to the Instagram account of Mr Upham's business conveyed the family's profound grief. "Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed," the message read. The family extended their "sincere and heartfelt thanks" to the emergency services, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their "dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts".
Tributes from friends and acquaintances poured in on social media. One described him as "the kindest person", adding "The world will miss such a shining star." Another called him "a beautiful man with the sweetest soul", while a further comment noted he was "a bringer of joy and an inspiration".
Mr Upham ran Matthew Upham Antiques, an appointment-only business on the town's High Street specialising in European chandeliers and 18th-century furniture. The business had traded for four decades in London before relocating to the Devon coast.
Warnings Issued After 'Worst' Conditions
The Coastguard confirmed that after extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the operation was stood down at 5pm on Christmas Day. Devon and Cornwall Police stated that the families of both missing men were being kept informed. A police spokesman confirmed on Boxing Day that "both men remain missing".
In the wake of the tragedy, East Devon District Council urged people on Facebook to "think twice before taking the plunge this festive season". They highlighted the dangers of cold water shock, strong currents, and unpredictable weather, which can rapidly turn a "quick dip into a serious emergency".
Mike Brown, 60, a regular participant in the Budleigh Salterton Christmas swim, told the BBC the conditions on Thursday were the "worst" he had ever witnessed. He revealed he was himself "unable to get out" of the water and had to be assisted by "two very brave men".
The incident led to the cancellation of a number of scheduled Christmas and Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall, due to a yellow weather warning for wind covering parts of the South West and Wales.
