Two washed away during Christmas Day swim in sea as search called off

THE family of one of the two men feared to have drowned during a Christmas Day swim in the sea have said he will be 'forever missed'.

- by ELIANA NUNES, MOLLY SEAMAN, PHIL NORRIS & LEWIS CLARKE

Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Thursday, December 25, after concerns for those in the water.

A number of people were safely recovered to the shore and checked by paramedics or taken to hospital as a precaution. However, two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were not located during the extensive searches by the coastguard and RNLI.

Antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63, who ran Matthew Upham Antiques, has been named locally as one of two men who disappeared.

It has been reported that Matthew and the younger man were swept away while trying to help a woman in distress.

In a statement posted on social media, Matthew's family said: "Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.

“Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.

“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. We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.

“As we grieve and support one another, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected. We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness and condolences.”

Matthew's nieces also shared their gratitude on the RNLI Exmouth Facebook page.

Freccia Upham said: “I would like to offer my wholehearted thanks to all of you who were out searching for my uncle yesterday, I will be forever grateful for your efforts.”