Body believed to be second missing Christmas Day swimmer found | UK | News
The body of the second swimmer who disappeared during a Christmas Day dive at Budleigh Salterton is believed to have been found. The body of a man was recovered from the sea off Exmouth following a major emergency service operation on Sunday afternoon (January 25).
It is thought to belong to Matthew Upham, one of two swimmers lost during a Christmas morning swim due to turbulent waves that many others found difficult. Police and coastguards were seen near Orcombe Point in Exmouth today and witnesses reported a cordon restricting access from Orcombe Point to Sandy Bay. One local resident said he saw two marked and one unmarked police car, as well as three marked coast guard vehicles.
The man said: “There were officers placing tape and cones at the cliff point to block off the beach and the inshore lifeboat was anchored on the beach just beyond Orcombe Point.”
A police spokesman said: “Emergency services were called to Exmouth Beach shortly before 3pm on Sunday, January 25, following reports of a possible body seen near the shore.
“The body of a man has since been found. Formal identification has not yet been established, but the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton have been informed of this development.”
Last week, the body of the other man who disappeared while swimming was found on the shoreline of Sandy Bay in Exmouth. Police and coast guard were alerted to the area at 8.45 am on Tuesday, January 20.
Although official identification has not yet been established, officers believe the man is the 47-year-old man who failed to return to shore at Budleigh Salterton. His relatives were informed.
On Boxing Day, Mr Upham’s family confirmed he was missing. They said in a statement: “Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved family member, Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.
“We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and the coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.
“We are deeply grateful for their compassion and support. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve and support each other. We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness, and condolences.”
The identity of the 47-year-old man has not yet been disclosed. An investigation is expected to be opened into the deaths of both men.
