Budleigh Salterton(Image: DevonLive)
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The body of a man who went missing during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton has been found.
Two swimmers went missing during the festive swim in large waves and difficult conditions on the coast on December 25.
There had been no sign of either swimmer, one of whom was locally , 63, until this week, when a body was found at Exmouth.
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Formal identification has yet to be carried out, but the body is believed to be that of a 47-year-old man who went missing alongside Matthew.
He was confirmed dead at the scene.
Police officers and HM Coastguard were called at 8.45am on Tuesday, January 20, after the body of a man was found on the shore at Sandy Bay.
The man’s next of kin have been informed.
A second man, aged in his 60s and believed to be Matthew, remains missing.
The family of a man who went missing at sea on Christmas Day have paid tribute to a “deeply loved” antique dealer.
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10.25am on Christmas Day, following concerns that a group had got into difficulty in the water.
Several people were safely recovered, but two men remain missing.
Devon and Cornwall Police haven’t confirmed any deaths; however, the family of 63-year-old Matthew Upham, an antique dealer and business owner in the town, have issued a statement remembering him.
On Instagram, Major Upham said: “Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas Morning.
“Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.
“We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.
Floral tributes at Budleigh Salterton beachCredit: Nick Irving
“We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.
“As we grieve and support one another, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected. We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness, and condolences.”
Enquiries into what happened are ongoing, and a police presence remains at the scene.
Following extensive shoreline and offshore searches, HM Coastguard stood down its response at 5pm on Christmas Day.
Several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were cancelled this year because of a yellow weather warning for wind.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about what happened to get in touch with the force.
Superintendent Ryan Doyle said: “This discovery is very sad news following the upsetting and tragic incident on Christmas Day.
“We have spoken with his family and we are continuing to support them through this difficult time. Understandably they have asked for their privacy to be respected.
“The family of the second missing man has also been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts remain with them.”
