New images depict a cherished antiques dealer who went missing following a rough Christmas Day swim. Matthew Upham, aged 63, has yet to be found, along with another individual in his forties, after an emergency situation arose during the annual Christmas Day ocean plunge at Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
Several individuals were rescued from the turbulent waters and received medical attention or were transported to hospitals as a precautionary measure, but the two men have not been located.
A statement released on Mr. Upham’s company’s Instagram account last night expressed the family’s devastation over the tragedy, stating, “Matthew is deeply cherished and will forever be remembered.”
A close acquaintance of the antiques dealer, commenting on the post, described Mr. Upham as “the most compassionate person,” adding, “The world will feel the absence of such a radiant individual.”
Local authorities have issued warnings to other swimmers against entering the sea during the holiday season due to challenging weather conditions and freezing temperatures.
Julia Robb, a local resident who had been observing swimmers at the beach on Christmas Day before the men went missing, described the weather as “extremely cold and blustery,” with waves reaching heights of “at least 6ft.”
Matthew Upham has been identified as one of the two individuals missing following the Christmas Day swim.
Mike Brown, aged 60, recounted being stranded after entering the water and receiving assistance from “two incredibly courageous individuals.”
A significant crowd had gathered on the beach at Budleigh Salterton for the customary annual event.
A tribute was left at Budleigh Salterton on Boxing Day in memory of the missing individuals.
Authorities in the southwest are cautioning residents about the hazards of winter sea swims.
The search efforts involved three RNLI lifeboats and two aircraft.
Devon and Cornwall Police stated that the families of the missing men are being updated on the progress of the search.
Originally an organized charity affair, the ‘Bude’ Christmas swim has evolved into an informal gathering sustained by local residents and visitors.
The family of the 63-year-old expressed that he is “deeply cherished” and will be “forever missed.”
Several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were canceled this year due to a yellow weather warning for high winds.