The family of Matthew Upham, one of two men missing after a Christmas Day swim, have expressed their heartbreak over his disappearance. Emergency services searched the area after two men, in their 60s and 40s, vanished in the sea at Budleigh Salterton shortly after 10:25 GMT on Thursday. The coastguard ceased their search operation around 17:00.
Upham's family, who own an antiques shop in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, released a statement on the business's Instagram account, calling him a 'beloved' family member. 'Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed,' the statement read.
In their tribute, the family extended 'sincere and heartfelt thanks' to emergency services, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their 'dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts.' They also requested privacy during their grieving process while thanking the public for their 'understanding, kindness, and condolences.'
Police reported the men were still missing as of 13:00 on Friday and that investigations were ongoing, maintaining a police presence at the scene. The BBC has reached out to Devon and Cornwall Police for further information.
Sarah Giles, of a local community swim group, expressed sorrow at the news. She noted that Budleigh is a small town where Matthew had a significant impact. 'He swam year-round and knew what he was doing. We have lost an experienced swimmer,' she commented.
Ms. Giles, a retiree who frequently swims in Budleigh Salterton, decided not to swim that day due to severe conditions, described as waves over 10ft (3m). 'The waves were frightening,' she observed, citing hazardous backwash contributing to danger. 'Many people were put in danger that day who probably shouldn't have been,' she added.
Resident Mike Brown, 60, described Thursday's sea conditions as the worst he had ever seen during his nearly 30 years in Budleigh Salterton. After being unable to exit the sea, he was aided by 'two very brave men', sustaining minor injuries. 'Successive waves crashed me into stones, leaving me exhausted,' he recounted. 'These two men risked their safety to help me.'
Additional reporting by Kris Bramwell.
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