On a day meant for joy, family gatherings, and festive traditions, the picturesque pebble beach of Budleigh Salterton on Devon’s Jurassic Coast became the scene of unimaginable tragedy. What began as an annual Christmas Day swim—a beloved unofficial ritual drawing hundreds in fancy dress and high spirits—turned into a desperate fight for survival as ferocious waves and gale-force winds claimed lives in an instant. Two men, one in his 40s and the other in his 60s, vanished beneath the churning sea shortly after entering the water on December 25, 2025. Despite a massive multi-agency rescue involving RNLI lifeboats, coastguard helicopters, and shoreline teams, extensive searches were stood down at dusk, leaving both men missing and presumed lost. Now, in a poignant update that has gripped the nation, Devon and Cornwall Police have expressed profound regret, with senior officers conveying: “We are deeply sorry for the pain this has caused.” What authorities revealed next—about the merciless conditions, heroic rescues, and lingering questions—has left families shattered, a tight-knit community in mourning, and the country holding its breath for any glimmer of hope.

The idyllic town of Budleigh Salterton, nestled along the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, is known for its serene beauty: red cliffs framing a shingle beach, calm waters lapping gently in summer, and a charming high street lined with independent shops. Every Christmas morning, locals and visitors flock to the seafront for the traditional dip—a bracing plunge symbolizing renewal and community spirit. In past years, crowds in Santa hats and elf costumes cheered as swimmers dashed into the waves, emerging exhilarated for hot drinks and holiday cheer. But 2025 was different. A Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds had blanketed southwest England and Wales, with gusts predicted up to 65mph along exposed coasts and large waves as an additional hazard. Many organized swims across Devon and Cornwall were wisely cancelled, yet Budleigh’s informal event pressed ahead, drawing hundreds unaware of the peril lurking offshore.

Eyewitnesses described a scene that shifted from festive anticipation to horror in minutes. Around 10:25 a.m., as groups waded in, the sea—whipped into fury by northeasterly gales—unleashed massive swells, some estimated at 6-10 feet high. “It was the worst conditions I’ve ever seen,” said lifelong resident Mike Brown, 60, who has lived in Budleigh for nearly three decades. Brown entered the water but was quickly overwhelmed, dragged under by rip currents and pounding waves. “I wouldn’t have made it out without two men pulling me to safety,” he recounted, his voice trembling in interviews. Others weren’t so fortunate. Screams pierced the air as swimmers struggled; some were swept off their feet even while exiting. Onlookers watched aghast from the promenade as helicopters thundered overhead and orange RNLI lifeboats battled the chop.

Emergency services mobilized swiftly. Devon and Cornwall Police received the alert at 10:25 GMT, triggering a major response: Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, search-and-rescue helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. Paramedics treated rescued swimmers on the beach; several were hospitalized as a precaution with non-life-threatening injuries. But two men could not be found. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar addressed the media on Christmas evening, her words heavy: “Today, emergency services have been responding to a truly tragic incident in Budleigh Salterton. Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing, and to all who may have witnessed and be impacted by this incident.”

As darkness fell, the coastguard stood down offshore searches at 5 p.m., citing exhaustive efforts but diminishing light and worsening conditions. Onshore police inquiries continued into the night, with a presence maintained at the beach. By Boxing Day, both men remained unaccounted for, prompting urgent warnings: “While there are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to.” Nearby events, including Teignmouth’s walk-in-the-sea, were scrapped out of respect and safety concerns.

One of the missing men has been named as Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old local antiques dealer beloved in the community. Owner of Matthew Upham Antiques on Budleigh’s high street, he was a year-round sea swimmer, known for his experience and kindness. His family released a heartbreaking statement via the shop’s Instagram: “We are 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.” They extended “sincere and heartfelt thanks” to the emergency services for their “dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts.” Friends described him as “exceptionally kind” and “well-liked,” a fixture who made a “big impact” on the small town. Sarah Giles, who runs a local swimming group, added: “He swam all year-round, he knew what he was doing… we have lost an experienced swimmer.”

The second man, in his 40s, has not been publicly named, respecting family privacy amid ongoing inquiries. Speculation suggests he may have attempted to aid Upham or others in distress, underscoring the selfless spirit that turned deadly.

The nation’s response has been one of profound sorrow. Flowers and tributes piled up on the beach, messages reading “Forever in our hearts” and “Brave souls.” Social media overflowed with grief: locals shared photos of calmer past swims, while strangers offered condolences. Budleigh Salterton Baptist Church posted prayers for the families, friends, and rescuers. RNLI crews, who risked their own lives on Christmas Day, issued statements of solidarity: “Our thoughts remain with all those impacted.” Even politicians weighed in, with local MP David Reed expressing “extreme sadness” and prayers for the missing and their loved ones.

Questions swirl: Why did the swim proceed amid warnings? Unlike organized events with lifeguards and risk assessments, Budleigh’s is informal—no central organizer, just tradition. Some locals questioned oversight, with one telling reporters: “As soon as we arrived, you could tell the sea was the roughest it’s been.” Veteran swimmer Julia Robb observed from the shore: “It was very cold and windy… waves at least 6ft.” She only realized the gravity when helicopters arrived. Anger simmered in comments: “Why was it allowed?” Yet others defended the community’s autonomy, noting many heeded cautions by staying out.

Police have stopped short of formal apology but conveyed deep regret in updates, acknowledging the “truly tragic” nature and impact on witnesses. “We are deeply sorry,” echoed in sentiments from Superintendent Costar, emphasizing support for bereaved families via specialist officers.

This tragedy highlights the sea’s unforgiving power, even on cherished holidays. Wild swimming has surged in popularity post-pandemic, offering mental health benefits and camaraderie, but experts warn of hidden dangers: rips, cold shock, and sudden weather shifts. The RNLI and Coastguard urge checking forecasts, swimming with buddies, and knowing limits.

As December 29, 2025, dawns with calm skies over Budleigh, hope fades but inquiries persist. Police appeal for information, quoting log 191 of 25/12/25. The Jurassic Coast, timeless and beautiful, now bears a scar—a reminder that joy can turn to sorrow in a wave’s crash.

Families cling to memories: Matthew’s smile behind the antiques counter, the unnamed man’s bravery. The nation holds its breath, praying for closure. In the words of one rescuer: “We did everything we could.” Yet the sea keeps its secrets, and hearts remain broken this holiday season.