A community's festive tradition descended into a Christmas Day nightmare on the Devon coast, leaving two men missing after they were swept out to sea during an annual swim.
Frantic Rescue in Treacherous Conditions
Hundreds had gathered at the beach in Budleigh Salterton for the town's traditional Christmas Day swims. However, the event quickly turned into a frantic rescue mission as participants faced what one described as some of the worst conditions he had ever encountered.
Witnesses reported 6ft waves and 65mph wind gusts, with a Met Office yellow weather warning in place. Several swimmers found themselves in significant difficulty in the powerful undercurrents.
Mike Brown, one of those rescued, admitted that entering the water was a mistake. "It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I've ever tried to swim in," he said.
Heroic Efforts and a Tragic Outcome
Mike described his dramatic rescue by two local men who waded into the churning sea in their clothes. After one rescuer was knocked over by a wave, they eventually reached him. "They took an arm each and dragged me to safety, and as quick as it had started, it was over. I was on the beach, and I was safe," he recounted. Mike was left with injuries and now hopes to identify and thank his rescuers.
Despite the heroic efforts of onlookers and a massive multi-agency search, two swimmers could not be found. The extensive operation involved RNLI lifeboats, three coastguard helicopters, and land-based teams who worked in punishing conditions throughout December 25th.
HM Coastguard stood down the offshore search at 5pm on Christmas Day, though Devon and Cornwall Police continue their land-based inquiries.
Families Left Heartbroken
One of the missing men has been named locally as Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old antiques dealer from the area who ran Matthew Upham Antiques. His family described him as "deeply loved" and said they are "heartbroken by the loss." They thanked emergency services for their "tireless efforts and professionalism."
The second missing man is believed to be in his 40s. Reports suggest he may have been attempting to help Matthew after he was pulled out to sea and "dragged down the beach."
Several other swimmers were checked by paramedics, with one person taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. In the wake of the incident, police urgently warned the public not to enter the water for planned Boxing Day swims.
