A major sea and shoreline search off the Devon coast has concluded with one of the two missing men now named, as his family speaks of their heartbreak.
Christmas Morning Emergency Call-Out
HM Coastguard and RNLI lifeboat teams were mobilised at 10.25am on Christmas Day following reports of people in difficulty in the stormy seas at Budleigh Salterton. The alarm was raised, triggering a large-scale emergency response involving multiple rescue assets.
Several individuals were successfully pulled from the water. They were assessed by paramedics at the scene, with some requiring transportation to hospital for further treatment. However, the search for two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, continued throughout the day.
Tribute to a 'Deeply Loved' Family Member
The family of one of the missing men, Matthew Upham, has since confirmed his involvement in the tragic incident. In a statement shared on his Instagram page, associated with the Matthew Upham Antiques shop in Budleigh Salterton, they expressed profound grief.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member... who was lost on Christmas morning," the statement read. "Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed."
The family extended their sincere thanks to the emergency services, stating: "We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time." They also requested privacy as they grieve.
Search Called Off After 'Punishing' Conditions
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the extensive search for the two men was ended on the evening of Thursday, 26 December. A spokesman for HM Coastguard stated: "After extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the HM Coastguard part of the search was stood down at 5pm."
Lifeboat crews from RNLI Torbay and RNLI Teignmouth, who were heavily involved in the operation, described the sea conditions as 'punishing'. In the wake of the tragedy, they reiterated vital safety advice, urging swimmers to always check weather forecasts and be honest about their own capabilities before entering the water.
Police also issued a direct plea to the public, advising people not to go swimming on Boxing Day due to active weather warnings. The families of both missing men are being supported by specialist officers and are being kept informed of all developments.
