Christmas Day swim survivor was rescued from 6ft waves as two lost in sea tragedy
A festive swimming tradition turned to tragedy when two men went missing at sea during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton
Mike Brown claimed that Christmas Day had some of the most treacherous conditions he had ever faced(Image: BBC)
A survivor of the Christmas Day swim tragedy where two men went missing at sea has spoken of how he was rescued from 6ft waves.
Crowds had gathered on the Devon coastline for the yearly yuletide dips when a group got into difficulty in the water at Budleigh Salterton.
Several swimmers were hauled to shore by onlookers, but an extensive multi-service search failed to find two participants who were carried away by fierce underwater currents.
The incident unfolded on Christmas Day, where eyewitnesses described 6ft swells and gale-force winds hitting 65mph amid a Met Office yellow weather alert.
A floral tribute left at Budleigh Salterton after two men went missing during a Christmas Day dip(Image: William Dax/SWNS)
Mike Brown, amongst the swimmers requiring rescue, acknowledged that the sea that day ranked amongst the most treacherous he had ever faced, reportsΒ Devon Live.
“It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I’ve ever tried to swim in,” he noted, adding “With hindsight it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.”
Mike was saved by two local men who plunged into the water fully clothed to reach him.
After an initial attempt was aborted when a wave knocked one of the rescuers over, they managed to reach Mike as he struggled to stand.
Hundreds attend the annual tradition(Image: Sonia Mullineux / SWNS)
Mike continued: “They took an arm each and dragged me to safety and as quick as it had started, it was over, I was on the beach and I was safe.”
He now wishes to identify the two men to express his gratitude for their courage. However, the day ended in tragedy for the families of two men, one in his 40s and another in his 60s, who are still missing.
The older man has been identified by his family as local antiques dealer Matthew Upham. It’s believed that the younger man may have been trying to assist Matthew after he was swept out to sea and “dragged down the beach.”
Matthew, 63, has been described by his family as “deeply loved”. His family said they are “heartbroken by the loss” and thanked the emergency services for their “tireless efforts and professionalism.”
Mike Brown who was rescued from the sea on Christmas Day(Image: BBC Breakfast)
The search operation involved RNLI lifeboats, three coastguard helicopters, and land-based rescue teams who worked under “punishing conditions” throughout Wednesday, December 25. HM Coastguard called off the offshore search at 5pm that day, but Devon and Cornwall Police continue with land-based investigations.
Several other swimmers were assessed by paramedics, and one individual was transported to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. In light of the incident, police have urged the public to refrain from entering the water for Boxing Day swims.
