Antiques dealer feared drowned after deadly Christmas Day dip
Christmas Swim Turns Tragic at Budleigh Salterton
Matthew Upham, 63, a well-known antiques dealer, is feared dead after going missing in the choppy seas off Budleigh Salterton during the traditional Christmas Day swim. A second man, believed to be in his 40s, also went missing after reportedly trying to save him.
Despite stormy weather and huge waves — up to 10ft high — Matthew joined the festive plunge. Friends say he was a strong, experienced swimmer, familiar with the local waters and a regular in the sea almost daily.
“He’s an exceptionally kind man, very well liked in the town. He’d never want anyone risking themselves looking for him,” a close friend said. “We hope he’s found shelter somewhere after being swept further down the shore by a crashing wave.”
Another friend added: “It seems Matthew was trying to get out of the water, but was pulled back and drifted down the beach. The other man, who tried to rescue him, is unknown to us.”
Rescue Mission Hits Rough Waters
The festive dip quickly turned to disaster as emergency teams scrambled into action. Coastguards from Exmouth and Beer, RNLI lifeboats, and search helicopters battled fierce seas to find the missing men.
Several swimmers were pulled to safety, but Matthew and the rescuer remain missing as the search was called off at 5pm. Witnesses recalled the scene shifting from festive fun to chaos in minutes.
“People were laughing and wearing Santa hats just moments before the disaster struck. The sea turned from festive fun into chaos in minutes.”
Storm warnings were in place, but the swim went ahead, sparking anger among locals who questioned how the risky event was allowed to continue.
Locals Blast Lack of Safety Measures
Residents rounded on organisers for running an unregulated swim with no age restrictions, health checks, lifeguards, or first aid on hand.
“The Boxing Day swim is open to everyone — no age limit, no health checks, no lifeguards or first aid on standby,” one local said, highlighting the danger.
Emergency services felt the strain, with one RNLI lifeboat forced to abort missions due to the violent conditions.
A coastguard spokesperson said: “After extensive efforts, our search was stood down at 5pm. Both men remain missing, and families have been informed.”
Devon and Cornwall Police have now urged caution, cancelling Boxing Day swims amid hazardous weather and shipping container debris washing ashore.
Community in Mourning, Safety Questions Raised
Floral tributes have appeared near Matthew’s antiques shop and on the beach as the seaside town reels from the tragedy.
A witness visiting the scene said: “It’s awful to lose someone on Christmas Day. The sea was freezing, the waves crashing—it’s hard to believe anyone took the risk.”
The chilling incident has amplified calls for tougher oversight of public seaside events to prevent future heartbreak.
