Two men, including 63-year-old antiques dealer Matthew Upham and an unnamed man in his 40s, went missing during a traditional Christmas Day swim in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, on December 25, 2025, after entering treacherous waters to rescue a woman in distress. Despite a massive multi-agency search operation involving HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth and Torbay, and rescue helicopters, the search was officially stood down at 5:00 PM that evening due to failing light and extreme sea conditions. Reports indicate that a Met Office yellow weather warning was in place at the time, with gusts of up to 65 mph causing 6-foot waves that overwhelmed several participants of the unofficial holiday dip. While multiple swimmers were successfully recovered and treated at local hospitals, the two men remain unaccounted for as of April 2026. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the rescue efforts, the heroic actions of those involved, and vital safety information for coastal visitors in the South West.
The Budleigh Salterton Incident: December 25, 2025
The tragedy unfolded during what was meant to be a joyful, unofficial community tradition at Budleigh Salterton beach, which attracts hundreds of spectators and participants annually.
The Emergency Call: At approximately 10:25 AM, emergency services received multiple reports of swimmers in significant difficulty near the shoreline.
The Heroic Act: Witnesses and friends reported that Matthew Upham and a second man entered the surf specifically to assist a woman who had been swept out by a large wave.
Environmental Factors: The incident coincided with a period of strong east-to-northeasterly winds, which created “treacherous” and “unpredictable” surf conditions.
Casualties and Rescues: While several people were pulled to safety by bystanders and RNLI crews, the two rescuers were tragically swept further out to sea.
Local residents described the scene as chaotic, with waves reportedly reaching over 6 feet in height. One survivor, Mike Brown, recounted how two strangers waded into the surf at great personal risk to drag him to safety before he was overwhelmed. The selflessness displayed by Mr. Upham, an accomplished swimmer and local business owner, has been a focal point of community tributes in the months following the disaster.
Multi-Agency Search and Rescue Operations
The response to the missing swimmers was one of the largest coastal search operations in East Devon in recent years, utilizing advanced technology and specialized teams.
Assets Deployed in the Search
The HM Coastguard coordinated the effort, deploying rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer. They were supported by RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, along with coastguard search and rescue helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft sent from Humberside. The search covered an extensive area of the coastline from Sidmouth to Exmouth, focusing on the Juan Lopez-style underwater currents that can trap swimmers near the rocky outcrops of the Devon coast.
Technical Challenges
The search was hampered by a yellow weather warning for wind, which created poor visibility and high sea states. Cold water shock was also a major concern for rescuers, as sea temperatures in December hover around 10°C, which can lead to physical incapacitation within minutes. Despite using thermal imaging and shoreline sweeps, the “extensive offshore searches” failed to locate the men before the operation was transitioned to a missing persons inquiry led by Devon and Cornwall Police.
Tributes to Matthew Upham and the Second Swimmer
In early 2026, the Budleigh Salterton community continues to mourn the loss of two men who are remembered for their bravery and community spirit.
Matthew Upham was a well-known figure in the town, having run Matthew Upham Antiques on the High Street for several years after moving his business from London. A close friend of singer Kate Bush, who described him as “extraordinarily kind and thoughtful,” Matthew was an experienced sea swimmer and kayaker who understood the power of the ocean. His family has expressed profound gratitude to the RNLI and Coastguard for their “tireless efforts and professionalism” during the difficult period following his disappearance. The second man, aged in his 40s, has had his privacy protected by his family, though local friends have described him as a dedicated individual who did not hesitate to help others in need.
Practical Information and Sea Safety
The 2025 Christmas tragedy has prompted local authorities, including the East Devon District Council, to issue stricter guidelines for those visiting the Devon coast.
Official Swims vs. Unofficial Dips: Always check if a swim is “official” and has professional lifeguards present; many Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims were cancelled in 2025 due to the same weather patterns.
Weather Warnings: Never enter the water during a Yellow or Amber weather warning for wind or surf, as “cold water shock” can occur regardless of swimming ability.
Emergency Contact: If you see someone in difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not enter the water yourself without a flotation device.
What to Expect: Devon’s beaches can have steep shingle banks and strong “undertows” that are invisible from the surface but can drag a person out in seconds.
Tips for Visitors: Wear a brightly colored tow-float when swimming and always have a designated “spotter” on the shore who remains dry and alert.
FAQs
Who went missing in the Devon Christmas Day swim 2025?
Two men went missing: 63-year-old Matthew Upham and an unnamed man in his 40s, both of whom were attempting to rescue another swimmer.
Where did the Christmas Day swimming tragedy happen?
The incident occurred at Budleigh Salterton beach in East Devon, England.
Was the missing swimmer found in Devon?
As of April 2026, both men remain missing and are presumed dead, following the suspension of the active search on Christmas Day evening.
What were the sea conditions like on Christmas 2025?
Conditions were described as treacherous, with 6-foot waves and wind gusts up to 65 mph due to a Met Office yellow weather warning.
What is Matthew Upham’s background?
Matthew Upham was an antiques dealer based in Budleigh Salterton and a long-time friend of singer Kate Bush.
Why was the search for the missing swimmers called off?
The Coastguard search was stood down at 5:00 PM on Christmas Day due to failing light and dangerous sea conditions, transitioning into a police missing person case.
Were there other casualties in the Budleigh swim?
Several people were rescued and checked by paramedics; one person was taken to the hospital as a precaution, but they survived.
What is cold water shock?
It is a physiological reaction to sudden immersion in water below 15°C that causes involuntary gasping, increased heart rate, and loss of muscle control.
How can I support the RNLI in Devon?
You can donate directly to the Exmouth or Torbay RNLI stations, which rely on public donations to fund their 24/7 rescue operations.
Are Christmas Day swims banned in Devon now?
No, but authorities strongly urge the public to follow weather warnings and avoid “unofficial” dips when no professional safety cover is present.
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