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one of two men washed away by the sea Swimming at Christmas time Devon has been named by his family.
Local antique shop owner Matthew Upham is reported missing thursday The morning after the “truly tragic incident” in Baddeley Salterton.
emergency services They were called to the scene after reports of several people struggling with large waves on the beach. Several people were escorted to safety, but as of Boxing Day, a man in his 40s and a man in his 60s were still missing and their whereabouts were unknown.
After an extensive search, The operation ended on Thursday afternoon, and notify the families of the missing persons.
Mr Upham’s family released a statement on his company’s Instagram page on Friday: “Our family is heartbroken over the loss of our much-loved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.
“Matthew was much loved and will be forever missed.”
The statement continued: “We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, in particular RNLI Thank you to the Coast Guard for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.
“We are deeply grateful for their compassion and support. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve and support each other. We appreciate everyone’s understanding, kindness and condolences.”
Another man in his 40s, who has not yet been identified, may have drowned while trying to rescue him, according to the agency. daily mail.
Mr Upham runs Matthew Upham Antiques in Budleigh Salterton’s High Street, which is open by appointment only and sells “a stunning range of chandeliers from all over Europe”.
His website also says the company offers chandeliers that “perfectly complement our range of 18th century furniture, creating a harmonious blend of timeless elegance”.
The store originally opened in London for forty years before moving to the seaside town.
Tributes have poured in for the businessman, with commenters describing him as “the kindest man” and a “shining star”.
The incident came as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for high winds for parts of southwest England and Wales on Thursday. Police are urging the public to avoid swimming on Boxing Day.
Video from that day showed several people struggling to crawl out of the water as huge waves crashed onto the shore.
Mike Brown, 60, who swims every Christmas in Budleigh Salterton, told the BBC the conditions on Thursday were the “worst” he had ever seen.
Local residents said he “couldn’t get out” after entering the sea and was helped by “two very brave people”.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar Devon and Cornwall Policesaid: “Emergency services are responding to a truly tragic incident in Badley Salterton today.
“Our thoughts remain steadfast with the family and friends of the two men who are currently missing, and with anyone who may have witnessed and been affected by the incident. The local community will see a heavy presence of emergency services in the area throughout the day as an extensive investigation is ongoing.
“As night fell some searches have ceased and some police inquiries on land are continuing this evening.”
Coast Guard rescue teams from surrounding areas were assisted by search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft as well as police and ambulance crews.