The festive cheer of Christmas Day turned into unimaginable tragedy on the windswept shores of Budleigh Salterton, along England’s stunning Jurassic Coast. What began as a beloved annual tradition—a bracing holiday swim attracting hundreds of locals and visitors—ended in despair when powerful waves and treacherous currents claimed lives and left two men missing at sea. As of December 29, 2025, Devon and Cornwall Police have delivered a devastating update: the extensive search has been scaled back, with little hope remaining for the two swimmers, aged in their 40s and 60s. In a statement laced with sorrow, authorities expressed profound regret: “We are deeply sorry…”—words that have echoed across the nation, leaving families shattered and communities mourning a holiday forever scarred.

thesun.co.uk

How Christmas dip joy turned into nightmare as 2 swimmers ‘missing …

The incident unfolded shortly after 10:25 a.m. on December 25, when emergency services received frantic calls about swimmers in distress off the pebble beach at Budleigh Salterton, a picturesque town in East Devon known for its red cliffs and calm waters—deceptively so on that fateful morning. Hundreds had gathered for the unofficial Christmas Day dip, an informal tradition where revellers brave the chill for charity, camaraderie, and the thrill of starting the holidays with an invigorating plunge. Photos from moments before capture joyful scenes: crowds in festive hats cheering as groups waded into the surf, children building sandcastles nearby, the sea appearing inviting under a gray sky.

telegraph.co.uk

Budleigh’s tragedy should be a lesson not to go along with the …

But conditions deteriorated rapidly. A Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds—gusts up to 65 mph—whipped the waves into fury, creating swells estimated at 6 to 10 feet. Witnesses described the sea as the “roughest” and “most terrifying” they had ever seen at Budleigh. One long-time resident, Mike Brown, who has lived in the town for nearly 30 years, told reporters: “It was the worst conditions I’ve ever witnessed here.” Another onlooker, Julia Robb, recalled arriving early and deciding not to swim: “The waves were at least 6ft… it was very cold and windy.” Despite the dangers, the unofficial nature of the event—no lifeguards on duty, no formal safety checks—saw swimmers enter anyway, swept by tradition and herd mentality.

independent.co.uk

How a joyful Christmas Day swim on Devon’s Jurassic coast ended in …

Chaos erupted as waves battered exiting swimmers, knocking some off their feet and pulling others into rips. Bystanders rushed to help, forming human chains, while a passing RNLI lifeboat—out on a training exercise—responded immediately. The multi-agency rescue was massive: Exmouth, Beer, and Torbay coastguard teams; RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay; search-and-rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft scouring the coastline. Paramedics treated several on the beach; one was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. But two men vanished beneath the churning waters.

plymouthplus.co.uk

Truly tragic’ end to Budleigh Salterton Christmas swim

One has been named as Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old beloved local antiques dealer who ran Matthew Upham Antiques in Budleigh Salterton. Described as an experienced sea swimmer, he entered the water to assist others in difficulty. His heartbroken family issued a statement: “We are profoundly grateful for the compassion and support [of emergency services]. As we grieve… we kindly ask for privacy.” The second man, in his 40s, is believed to have also tried rescuing swimmers before being swept away. Police inquiries continue onshore, but the offshore search was stood down at 5 p.m. on Christmas Day due to deteriorating conditions and fading light.

exmouthjournal.co.uk

Family of Devon man missing after Christmas swim pay tribute …

Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar delivered the grim update on Christmas evening: “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.” By Boxing Day, police urged against sea swims amid ongoing warnings, cancelling events in nearby Exmouth and Teignmouth. As December 29 dawns, with both men still unaccounted for, authorities have implicitly shifted to recovery mode, expressing deep sorrow for the outcome that no one wanted.

The tragedy has sparked national soul-searching. Anger grows over the lack of oversight for unofficial swims—why allow hundreds into perilous waters without safeguards? Critics point to “herd mentality,” as one Telegraph headline lamented: “Budleigh’s tragedy should be a lesson not to go along with the herd.” Locals defend the tradition as community spirit, but survivors like Ashley Stoneman and Kelsey Jessup, who were pulled to safety, describe terror: “The waves just took us.”

Tributes pour in: flowers pile at the beach, memorials with candles and messages of love.

hellorayo.co.uk

Pubic told to avoid Boxing Day swims in Devon as two men remain …

Churches hold prayers; vigils draw crowds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered condolences, vowing reviews of coastal safety. RNLI and coastguard heroes are hailed for “tireless efforts in punishing conditions.”

This Christmas nightmare—joy turning to loss in seconds—leaves families holding breath for closure, a nation grieving stolen lives. “We are deeply sorry…” echoes not just police words, but collective heartache. In Budleigh’s quiet waves, a community’s heart breaks, reminding us the sea’s beauty hides unforgiving power. As 2025 ends, prayers continue for the missing—and strength for those left behind.