The family of a respected antiques dealer have said he will be "forever missed" after he vanished during a traditional Christmas Day swim in stormy conditions.
Major Rescue Operation Launched
Matthew Upham, aged 63, is one of two men who remain unaccounted for following a large-scale emergency response in the Devon seaside town of Budleigh Salterton. The alarm was raised on Christmas Day morning after reports that several people had got into difficulty during the festive swim.
Coastguard and RNLI crews launched an immediate rescue operation. A number of individuals were successfully pulled from the turbulent water. Some were checked over by paramedics at the scene, while others were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
Despite these efforts, two men—one in his 40s and one in his 60s—could not be located. It has been reported that the younger man may have entered the water in a brave attempt to rescue Mr Upham.
A Community in Mourning
A heartfelt statement posted to the Instagram account of Matthew Upham Antiques confirmed the family's devastation. "Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed," it read. The family expressed profound gratitude to the emergency services for their "dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts".
Tributes have poured in for the well-known local businessman. One friend described him as "the kindest person", adding that "the world will miss such a shining star". Others called him "a beautiful man with the sweetest soul" and "a bringer of joy and an inspiration".
Mr Upham ran his appointment-only antiques business on the town's High Street, specialising in European chandeliers and 18th-century furniture. He had traded for four decades in London before relocating his business to the Devon coast.
Warnings After 'Worst' Conditions
The incident has prompted urgent safety warnings from authorities. East Devon District Council urged people on Facebook to "think twice before taking the plunge this festive season", highlighting the dangers of cold water shock, strong currents, and unpredictable weather.
Local resident Mike Brown, 60, who often participates in the Christmas swim, told the BBC the conditions were the "worst" he had ever witnessed. He revealed he himself had been unable to get out of the sea and was assisted by two other swimmers.
Following extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the Coastguard stood down its active search at 5pm on Christmas Day. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that both men remain missing and that their families are being kept informed of any developments. The tragic event led to the cancellation of several other planned festive swims across Devon and Cornwall due to severe weather warnings.
