The body of the second swimmer who disappeared during the Christmas Day dip at Budleigh Salterton is believed to have been discovered. A man's body was retrieved from the sea off Exmouth following a major emergency services operation on Sunday afternoon (January 25).
It is thought to be that of Matthew Upham, one of two swimmers who went missing in turbulent waves during the Christmas morning swim where several people encountered difficulties. Police and the coastguard were spotted near Orcombe Point at Exmouth today with witnesses reporting there was a cordon restricting access to Sandy Bay from Orcombe Point. One local resident said they saw two marked and one unmarked police cars, as well as three marked coast guard vehicles.
The man said: “There were officers setting up tape and cones at the point from the cliff, to close the beach, and the inshore lifeboat was moored off the beach just beyond Orcombe Point.”
A police spokesperson said: “Emergency services were called shortly before 3pm on Sunday 25 January to Exmouth Beach following a report of a possible body seen near the shore.
“The body of a man has since been recovered. Formal identification is yet to take place, but the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton have been informed of this development.”
Last week, the body of the other man who disappeared during the swim was found on the coastline at Sandy Bay in Exmouth. Police and the coastguard were alerted to the area at 8.45am on Tuesday, January 20.
While formal identification has yet to take place, officers believe the individual to be the 47-year-old man who failed to return to shore at Budleigh Salterton. His next-of-kin have been notified.
On Boxing Day Mr Upham's family confirmed he had been lost. In a statement they said: “Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.
“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.
“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.”
The identity of the 47 year old man remains undisclosed. Inquests are expected to be opened into the deaths of both men.