A festive Christmas tradition turned into a frantic rescue operation as a swimmer recounted the horrifying conditions that left two men still missing at sea.
Hundreds had flocked to local beaches for the Budleigh Salterton annual Christmas Day swim when a group found themselves in serious trouble in the water.
Whilst some were hauled to safety by quick-thinking onlookers, a massive multi-agency search called off the search to find two participants who were dragged away by fierce undercurrents.
The drama unfolded as witnesses reported 6ft waves and wind gusts hitting 65mph during a Met Office yellow weather warning.
Mike Brown, one of the swimmers who needed rescuing, confessed that the conditions were amongst the most brutal he had ever faced, reports Devon Live.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I’ve ever tried to swim in. With hindsight it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.”
Mike revealed how he was saved by two local men who plunged into the water fully clothed to reach him.
Following an initial failed attempt when a wave sent one of the rescuers tumbling, they managed to get to Mike as he battled to stay upright.
Mike added: “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 hopes to track down the two spectators to thank them for their heroism. However, the day turned to heartbreak for others as two men, one in his 40s and another in his 60s, are still unaccounted for.
The older man has been named by relatives as local antiques trader Matthew Upham.
Reports suggest the younger man may have been trying to rescue Matthew after he got swept out to sea and “dragged down the beach.”
Matthew, aged 63 and owner of Matthew Upham Antiques, was described by loved ones as “deeply loved”.
His family said they are “heartbroken by the loss” and praised the emergency services for their “tireless efforts and professionalism.”
The rescue mission included RNLI lifeboats, three coastguard helicopters, and shore-based rescue squads who battled “punishing conditions” throughout Wednesday, December 25.
HM Coastguard called off the offshore hunt at 5pm that day, though Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing land-based enquiries.
Several other bathers were examined by paramedics, and one individual was rushed to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After the incident, officers warned the public against entering the water for Boxing Day dips.
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