Two men remain missing after Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton

Two men remain missing following a Christmas Day swimming incident at Budleigh Salterton, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the beach at 10.25am on 25 December after a group of people got into difficulty in the water. Many were rescued and checked by paramedics or taken to hospital as a precaution, but 63-year-old Matthew Upham and another man in his 40s have not been found.

Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar said: “Today [25 Dec], emergency services have been responding to a truly tragic incident in Budleigh Salterton.

“Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing and to all who may have witnessed and be impacted by the incident.

“The local community will have seen a significant amount of emergency services in the area throughout the day as extensive enquiries have been ongoing. As dark falls, a number of these searches have been stood down, with some police enquiries on land continuing this evening.

“There have been weather warnings in place this week and a number of official and un-official swims have already been cancelled. While there are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to.”

Coastguard and RNLI lifeboat teams were involved in extensive shoreline and offshore searches, which were stood down at 5pm on Christmas Day. Police enquiries are ongoing, and a presence remains at the scene.

Mike Brown, a 60-year-old swimmer who was rescued, described the conditions as some of the worst he had ever faced. He told the BBC he was saved by two local men who rushed into the water in their clothes: “These two men without any concern for their own safety waded in to help me. They took an arm each and dragged me to safety and as quick as it had started, it was over, I was on the beach and I was safe.”

Mr Brown sustained minor injuries and was pictured with blood from a head wound. He said he hoped to find the two men to thank them personally.

The family of Matthew Upham paid tribute on social media, saying: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member... who was lost on Christmas morning. Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.” The statement was posted on the Matthew Upham Antiques Instagram page.

Police have asked anyone with relevant information who has not already spoken to officers to call 101 or report via the Devon and Cornwall Police website quoting log 191 of 25/12/25.