One of the men who went missing in sea off Devon coast named

Key Concepts

• Christmas Day Swim: A traditional activity in the UK involving swimming in the sea on Christmas Day.
• Budley Saltton: The specific coastal area in Devon, England, where the incident occurred.
• RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution): A UK charity that provides a 24-hour lifeboat rescue service.
• Coast Guard: A maritime safety and security service responsible for coastal waters.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): The operation to locate and assist individuals in distress.

Incident Overview: Christmas Day Swim in Devon

The incident occurred on Christmas Day morning in the Budley Saltton area of Devon, England, involving two men, reported to be in their 40s and 60s, who went missing during a swim. Emergency services were alerted around 10:30 AM following reports of individuals in trouble in the water. A rescue operation ensued, with some swimmers being successfully assisted from the water, but the search for the two men continued throughout the day.

Search Efforts and Agencies Involved

A large-scale search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched, involving multiple agencies including the Coast Guard, the RNLI, police, ambulance services, and lifeguards. A helicopter was also deployed as part of the search. Witnesses described the beach as being “swarming with emergency services vehicles.” Despite extensive efforts, the search was ultimately called off overnight.

Identification of One Missing Individual & Family Statement

Today, the family of Matthew Uppam confirmed his identity as one of the missing men. A statement was posted on the Instagram account "Matthew Uppam Antiques," signed by Major Huppam, expressing the family’s profound grief. The statement reads: “Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member, Matthew Uppam, 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 Coast Guard for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time. We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.”

Warnings and Safety Concerns

While a separate Christmas Day swim approximately 5 miles away from Budley Saltton was conducted safely, there had been prior warnings regarding the potentially hazardous conditions at Budley and Saltton. Following the incident, police are urging the public to refrain from swimming in the sea, particularly on Boxing Day – another popular day for Christmas swims – due to unfavorable weather conditions that do not provide a safe environment.

Logical Connections

The report establishes a clear sequence of events: a traditional Christmas Day swim, an incident at a specific location with known safety concerns, a large-scale emergency response, the tragic confirmation of one missing individual, and a subsequent public safety warning. The family’s statement highlights the dedication and professionalism of the emergency services involved.

Data & Statistics

While specific statistics regarding the number of people rescued or the exact search area are not provided, the report emphasizes the significant resources deployed – multiple agencies and a helicopter – indicating the scale of the operation.