Tragedy Strikes as Two Swimmers Go Missing During Christmas Day Swim in Devon
Published 26 December 2025
Highlights
- Two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, went missing during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
- The coastguard called off the search at 17:00, but police inquiries continue as families are informed.
- Matthew Upham, one of the missing men, is remembered by his family as "deeply loved and forever missed."
- Dangerous sea conditions led to the cancellation of other charity swims, highlighting safety concerns.
- Local residents and swimmers describe the sea as "ferocious" and the incident as "tragic."
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Tragedy Strikes as Two Swimmers Go Missing During Christmas Day Swim in Devon
A Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, turned tragic as two men went missing in the sea, prompting an extensive search operation by emergency services. The men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were part of a group participating in the festive swim when they disappeared shortly after 10:25 GMT on Thursday. Despite efforts by the coastguard, the search was called off at 17:00, with police continuing onshore inquiries.
Family Tribute and Community Impact
Matthew Upham, one of the missing men and a local antiques shop owner, was fondly remembered by his family. In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, they described him as "deeply loved and forever missed," expressing gratitude to the RNLI and coastguard for their dedication. The family requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
The incident has deeply affected the small town of Budleigh Salterton, where residents like Sarah Giles, a local swim group leader, expressed shock and sadness. "Matthew was an experienced swimmer who made a big impact on the community," she said.
Challenging Sea Conditions
The swim took place under perilous sea conditions, with waves reportedly reaching up to 10 feet. Mike Brown, a seasoned local swimmer, recounted his harrowing experience of being unable to exit the water without assistance. "The sea was the worst I've ever seen," he noted, emphasizing the danger posed by the conditions.
Safety Concerns and Cancellations
The tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of sea swims during adverse weather. While no official weather warnings were in place, police urged caution, leading to the cancellation of other charity swims, including one in Dorset. The Weymouth and Portland Lions Club cited participant safety as the reason for halting their event.
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Scenario Analysis
As the search for the missing men continues, the focus remains on ensuring safety during such events. The incident may prompt local authorities to reassess guidelines for sea swims, especially during unpredictable weather. Experts suggest that increased awareness and precautionary measures could prevent similar tragedies. The community's response, marked by solidarity and support, underscores the need for collective vigilance in the face of nature's unpredictability.
A Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, turned tragic as two men went missing in the sea, prompting an extensive search operation by emergency services. The men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were part of a group participating in the festive swim when they disappeared shortly after 10:25 GMT on Thursday. Despite efforts by the coastguard, the search was called off at 17:00, with police continuing onshore inquiries.
Family Tribute and Community Impact
Matthew Upham, one of the missing men and a local antiques shop owner, was fondly remembered by his family. In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, they described him as "deeply loved and forever missed," expressing gratitude to the RNLI and coastguard for their dedication. The family requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
The incident has deeply affected the small town of Budleigh Salterton, where residents like Sarah Giles, a local swim group leader, expressed shock and sadness. "Matthew was an experienced swimmer who made a big impact on the community," she said.
Challenging Sea Conditions
The swim took place under perilous sea conditions, with waves reportedly reaching up to 10 feet. Mike Brown, a seasoned local swimmer, recounted his harrowing experience of being unable to exit the water without assistance. "The sea was the worst I've ever seen," he noted, emphasizing the danger posed by the conditions.
Safety Concerns and Cancellations
The tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of sea swims during adverse weather. While no official weather warnings were in place, police urged caution, leading to the cancellation of other charity swims, including one in Dorset. The Weymouth and Portland Lions Club cited participant safety as the reason for halting their event.
What this might mean
As the search for the missing men continues, the focus remains on ensuring safety during such events. The incident may prompt local authorities to reassess guidelines for sea swims, especially during unpredictable weather. Experts suggest that increased awareness and precautionary measures could prevent similar tragedies. The community's response, marked by solidarity and support, underscores the need for collective vigilance in the face of nature's unpredictability.
