In a chilling account that has gripped the nation, 60-year-old Mike Brown, a longtime resident of Budleigh Salterton in Devon, has spoken out about the horrifying moments he feared for his life during the annual Christmas Day swim on December 25, 2025. Brown, one of several swimmers pulled from raging seas amid “the worst conditions” he had ever encountered, described a sudden and terrifying battle against towering waves that left him convinced he would not survive. His rescue by two brave bystanders saved his life, but the festive event turned tragic as two other men—one identified as local antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63—remain missing and feared dead.

The traditional Christmas morning dip at Budleigh Salterton beach, part of the Jurassic Coast’s cherished customs, drew hundreds despite a Met Office yellow warning for strong winds and heavy rain across the South West. Participants, many in fancy dress, gathered for the charitable plunge, expecting a bracing but joyful start to the day. However, conditions deteriorated rapidly, with witnesses reporting waves up to 6 feet high and gusts reaching 65 mph creating dangerous rips and undertows.

Brown, who has lived in the seaside town for nearly 30 years and participated in the swim most years, recounted entering the water with optimism that quickly turned to panic. “It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I’ve ever tried to swim in,” he told reporters. “With hindsight, it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.” He described being unable to exit the sea as waves battered him relentlessly, knocking him over and dragging him under. “I thought I was going to die,” he admitted, his voice still carrying the shock days later.

In a dramatic rescue, two local men—fully clothed—waded into the crashing surf to reach him. An initial attempt failed when a massive wave knocked one rescuer down, but they persisted, grabbing Brown under each arm and hauling him to safety on the pebbled shore. “They took an arm each and dragged me to safety,” Brown recalled. “As quick as it had started, it was over—I was on the beach and I was safe.” He sustained minor injuries, including a bloodied head, but was otherwise unharmed. Brown has expressed a strong desire to locate and personally thank his saviors, calling them “very brave.”

The horror unfolded around 10:25 a.m., when emergency services received reports of multiple people in difficulty. Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, along with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, launched an extensive search. Several swimmers were recovered safely, with two assessed by paramedics on site and one hospitalized as a precaution. But the operation focused grimly on two men who vanished: Matthew Upham and a younger man in his 40s, believed to have entered the water in a heroic attempt to aid Upham.

Upham, a beloved figure in Budleigh Salterton, owned Matthew Upham Antiques, an appointment-only shop specializing in European chandeliers and treasures. Described by friends as “exceptionally kind,” “cheerful,” and an experienced daily sea swimmer familiar with local waters, his loss has devastated the community. His family released a poignant statement on the shop’s Instagram: “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.” They thanked emergency services for their tireless efforts and requested privacy.

The unidentified younger man is thought to have selflessly tried to rescue Upham after seeing him struggle, only to be overwhelmed himself. Witnesses spoke of “frightening” scenes, with waves sweeping people off their feet even as they exited the water.

Searches continued for hours in “atrocious” and “punishing” conditions before being stood down offshore at 5 p.m., with police maintaining onshore efforts. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar called it a “truly tragic incident,” urging respect for the families’ privacy. No foul play is suspected, and the focus remains on recovery.

Brown’s survival story, amid profound loss, has sparked reflection on sea safety. He and others questioned the decision to proceed despite warnings, with some locals noting an RNLI boat offshore may have given false reassurance. Nearby Boxing Day swims were canceled, and police advised against entering the water.

The tragedy has left Budleigh Salterton in mourning. Floral tributes line the beach, churches hold prayers, and the community grapples with shock on what should have been a day of joy. Brown’s harrowing words—”I thought I was going to die”—serve as a stark reminder of the sea’s unforgiving power, even during cherished traditions.

As searches resume if conditions allow, thoughts remain with the families of Matthew Upham and the brave rescuer, hoping for closure in the new year.