Family heartbreak as one of two missing Christmas swimmers pictured | UK | News

One of two men who went missing after swimming in the sea on Christmas Day in Devon has been photographed. Emergency services investigations are ongoing into what has been described as a “truly tragic incident”.

Emergency crews were called to Budleigh Salterton at around 10.25am on Christmas Day after reports of people struggling in the water. While several swimmers were safely brought to shore as a precaution and treated by paramedics or taken to hospital, two men in their 40s and 60s could not be located.

The family of one of the missing men, Matthew Upham, later confirmed their heartbreak in a statement shared on Instagram.

“Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved family member, Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning,” the statement said.

“Matthew is much loved and will be forever missed.”

A moment of silence was also paid to the emergency services teams who participated in the search.

“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,” the family said.

“We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve and support each other.”

Mr Upham, of Budleigh Salterton, ran a local antiques business called Matthew Upham Antiques and was well known in the community.

On Boxing Day Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed both men were missing. A spokesman said police investigations were ongoing and officers remained at the scene.

Local resident Julia Robb, who watched swimmers at the beach early that morning, said conditions were challenging.

“It was very cold and windy,” he said. “The waves were big, they were passing over people, I thought they were at least five feet.”

He said he only realized something was wrong later in the day after hearing helicopters.

“It was a sad thing to see such a positive morning happen,” he said. “I think this will be shocking to the whole community. We’re a small town and people are very friendly.”

HM Coastguard confirmed it was responding to reports of people experiencing difficulties in the water, attended by RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay, as well as rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer.

In addition to police and ambulance teams, coast guard helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were also deployed. RNLI lifeboat crews rescued a person from the sea.

A spokesman said the entire lifeboat crew was stopped around 5pm.

They said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected and with the family and friends of the two missing men.”

Many Christmas and Boxing Day swimming events held in Devon and Cornwall have been canceled this year due to a yellow weather warning that has left parts of the South West and Wales blanketed by winds.

Despite no warning on Boxing Day, Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar urged caution.

He said: “We recommend that those who plan to swim in the sea do not go.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two men now missing and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”