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An antiques dealer who went missing during a Christmas Day swim disappeared while bravely attempting to rescue a woman, a friend has disclosed.
It is feared that 63-year-old Matthew Upham drowned while participating in a traditional swim in Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
It is feared Matthew Upham drowned during the festive swimCredit: Facebook
A friend described Matthew as an ‘incredibly selfless person’Credit: Instagram
A large rescue operation was initiated, and several swimmers had to be pulled from the water after facing serious difficulties due to poor conditions.
Beloved antiques dealer Matthew, along with another man, remains unaccounted for following the unfortunate swim.
One of Matthew Upham’s close friends has now revealed that he disappeared under a wave while heroically trying to save a woman in distress, as reported by the Daily Mail .
Mr. Upham and a group of friends had gone to the coast on Christmas morning, some wearing Santa hats, to participate in the traditional swim.
The group plunged into the icy waters, joined by dozens of others, before they all encountered difficulties.
Strong currents pulled terrified swimmers under the waterline, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene shortly after the swim began.
The 63-year-old was close to reaching the shore when he noticed a woman in trouble and dived back beyond the surf line to rescue her, according to his friend.
Mr. Upham’s friend, who has known him for 30 years, told the Mail on Sunday: “Matthew swam back out to reach her, but as he did so, a massive wave crashed into him and pulled him under. He hasn’t been seen since.
“He was an exceptionally fit man and someone who swam in those waters practically every day. More than that, he was an incredibly selfless person.
“When he saw that woman in distress, there was only going to be one outcome: he immediately swam out to reach her instead of prioritizing his own safety.”
Reports indicate that the other missing man, a 40-year-old, attempted to save Mr. Upham after his brave effort to assist the struggling woman led him into trouble as well.
In a statement, Matthew Upham's family confirmed that he was one of the missing swimmers.
Mr. Upham’s family expressed: “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 added.
Mike was rescued from the rough sea by two menCredit: BBC News
An extensive rescue operation was launched after many swimmers encountered difficultiesCredit: SWNS
The Christmas Day swim on the Devon coast escalated into a major rescue missionCredit: BPM
A yellow rose has been placed on the doorstep of the 63-year-old’s antiques shop located on the High Street of Budleigh Salterton.
A fellow swimmer previously remarked that it was a “mistake” to enter the water.
He was rescued from the 6ft waves by two men who selflessly dived in to save him while fully clothed.
“These two men, without any concern for their own safety, waded in to help me,” he said.
Mike added: “They each took an
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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