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On Christmas Day, two swimmers went missing in the stormy waters off Budleigh Salterton, Devon. Following extensive search efforts, police recovered the body of a man believed to be 47 years old at Sandy Bay near Exmouth on the Tuesday after the incident. Although formal identification has yet to be completed, authorities are confident about the man’s identity and have notified his next-of-kin.
One of those who disappeared in the sea was identified as Matthew Upham, a 64-year-old local antiques dealer. His disappearance on Christmas Day has deeply affected the community, and public figures, including singer Kate Bush, have expressed their condolences. A floral tribute has also been set up along the beach and near Upham’s shop as a mark of remembrance.
Superintendent Ryan Doyle of Devon and Cornwall Police described the recovery of the body as “very sad news.” He noted that the family of the deceased had been informed and are receiving support during this difficult period, with a respectful request for privacy. The relatives of the second missing swimmer have likewise been notified and are being supported by the police.
The initial alarm was raised shortly after 10:25 GMT when groups of swimmers entered the sea amidst challenging conditions. BBC journalist Phillip Stoneman, who was present at the swim, commented that the waters were some of the roughest experienced there. Rescue efforts involving RNLI crews and coastguard helicopters were swiftly launched, resulting in several people being rescued safely and assessed by paramedics or taken to hospital as a precaution. Due to a yellow weather warning for strong winds, several Christmas and Boxing Day swim events in Devon and Cornwall had already been delayed or cancelled. The incident has left a profound impact on the Budleigh Salterton community, who described it as having “struck the heart” of their seaside town
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