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A swimmer who disappeared during a Christmas Day swim is an antiques dealer, as it has been revealed that a second missing man was attempting to save him.
The two men went missing in the waters at Budleigh Salterton, after being caught in the “terrible” waves yesterday.
Matthew Upham, 63, was one of the two swimmers who went missing during a Christmas Day swim
Upham is an antiques dealer, with a yellow rose left on the doorstep of his store in Budleigh SaltertonCredit: Facebook
Excited swimmers had to be rescued from the water yesterday after being caught in the ‘terrible’ wavesCredit: SWNS
In an Instagram statement, Matthew Upham's family identified him as the missing swimmer.
They expressed their heartbreak, stating, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved family member… who was lost on Christmas morning.”
“Matthew is deeply cherished and will be forever missed,” the statement continues.
A yellow rose has been placed on the doorstep of the 63-year-old’s antiques shop on Budleigh Salterton's High Street.
A second man in his 40s, who has not yet been named, is feared to have drowned while trying to rescue him.
Hundreds of jubilant swimmers donned Santa hats, laughing and shouting as they raced to enter the sea.
However, moments later, many were swept away as massive waves crashed onto the Jurassic Coast.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the popular beachfront at around 10:25 AM due to concerns for swimmers in distress.
Rescue teams, including helicopters and lifeboats, were deployed to conduct “extensive” shoreline and offshore searches.
Despite searching the waters for hours, it was confirmed that two men – one in his 40s and the other in his 60s – remained unaccounted for at sea.
The coastguard's search for the two was called off around 5 PM last night, with the RNLI concluding their operations as well.
Grieving friends paid tribute to Upham yesterday, describing him as an “incredibly kind man.”
A friend told MailOnline that Upham was a regular swimmer, “very fit,” and “well-acquainted with the local waters.”
They added he would be “horrified” by the risks others took to search for him.
Friends believe Matthew was pulled back along the shore by a wave as he attempted to exit the sea.
RNLI boats were observed scouring the waters following the tragic eventCredit: SWNS
Coastguard helicopter crews were also present at the scene that morningCredit: UKNIP
Witnesses described the conditions on the seafront as ‘hazardous’Credit: SWNS
Another friend remarked, “It appears Matthew was trying to exit the water but was pulled back and drifted further down the beach.”
“We do not know who the man in his 40s is. We believe he was someone
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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