How a joyful Christmas Day swim on Devon’s Jurassic coast ended in tragedy with two swept out to sea
Jumping into the sea in front of cheering crowds, dozens of swimmers at Budleigh Salterton were hoping to enjoy a refreshingly cold dip before Christmas lunch.
But the joyful annual tradition quickly turned into a frantic rescue mission as people found themselves struggling in rough seas; One resident described it as the “worst” conditions he had ever seen at the popular swimming spot on Devon’s idyllic Jurassic coast.
Two men, including local antiques dealer Matthew Upham, said to be an experienced sea swimmer, remain missing despite an extensive search by the coastguard and the RNLI.
Mr Upham’s heartbroken family paid tribute to the 63-year-old, who they said was “deeply loved and will be forever missed”.
They added: “We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.
“We are so grateful to them for their compassion and support.”
According to the information obtained, a single yellow rose was left at the door of the antique shop the day after Christmas.
A man in his 40s, who is thought to have bravely tried to help Mr Upham, also remains unidentified after swimmers entered the water just before 10.25am on Thursday.
Many people had to retreat to a safe place after strong winds created huge waves and dragged people underwater.
Friends said Mr Upham tried to get out of the water but was dragged back to the beach by a large wave, and yesterday they still held out hope that he could find shelter somewhere on shore.
Describing him as “extraordinarily kind” and well-liked in the seaside town, Daily Mail: “He goes swimming almost every day, is very fit and knows the local waters well.
“A lot of people went yesterday because of the Christmas Day swimming event but Matthew would have been there no matter what.
“He would never have considered triggering such a massive rescue effort, in fact he would have been horrified that anyone would be put at risk to look for him.”
Another added: “It looks like Matthew was trying to get out of the water but was pulled back and dragged further down the beach.
“We don’t know who the man in his 40s is. We believe he is someone who went to help Matthew.”
Mike Brown, 60, who swims on Christmas Day most years, said he “couldn’t get out” after going into the sea but “two very brave men” got into the water and helped pull him to safety.
“The conditions were much worse than normal and it was some of the worst I’ve ever attempted to swim in,” he said. BBC. “Looking back, it’s clear that trying to get in was a mistake.”
He added: “They each grabbed an arm and dragged me to safety and it was over as quickly as it started, I was on the beach and safe.”
Police said many people were brought to shore and checked by paramedics at the scene or taken to hospital as a precaution.
Although swimming is an annual tradition repeated by curious swimmers at beaches across the country at Christmas, it is an unofficial activity and is not supported by lifeguards.
According to reports, an RNLI lifeboat passing by on a training exercise was able to intervene quickly when swimmers were in trouble.
HM Coastguard took part in a major multi-agency search and rescue operation, repeatedly combing the coastline in the face of large waves and strong winds.
The search ceased at 5pm on Christmas Day following “extensive coastline and offshore searches”. In a statement, they paid tribute to RNLI volunteers who “took to sea without hesitation in a horrific sea situation”.
RNLI Exmouth said in a post on Facebook that “conditions were extremely difficult and cold for the team involved in the search who had been out all day”, adding that many organized swims had been canceled as a result.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Saturday that both men were missing and police were at the scene.
As police urged people not to swim on Boxing Day, Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar warned: “Weather warnings have been issued this week and a number of official and unofficial swims have already been cancelled.
“Although there is no official warning for tomorrow [Friday]”We would urge anyone planning to swim in the sea on Boxing Day not to do so.”
Following the tragedy, East Devon District Council urged locals to “think twice before taking chances this festive season”.
The local authority said the cold water shock, strong current and unpredictable weather conditions could turn into “a rapid descent into a serious emergency”.
