In a heartbreaking development that has left families devastated and the nation in mourning, authorities have confirmed that the extensive search for two men who vanished during a Christmas Day swim off Budleigh Salterton on the Jurassic Coast has been called off, with both now feared dead.

The tragedy unfolded on December 25 when hundreds gathered for the traditional festive dip despite severe weather conditions. A Met Office yellow warning for strong winds gusting up to 65mph created massive waves – described by witnesses as up to 10ft high – turning the joyful event into chaos around 10:25am.

One of the missing men has been identified as Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old local antiques dealer known for his daily swims and described by friends as “exceptionally kind” and “very well-liked.” The second, a man in his 40s, is believed to have heroically entered the water to assist Upham after he got into difficulty.

Emergency services mounted a massive response: RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay; coastguard helicopters and teams; and paramedics. Several swimmers were rescued and treated, but despite exhaustive shoreline and offshore searches throughout the day, the two men could not be found. The coastguard stood down its operation at 5pm, with Devon and Cornwall Police continuing land enquiries overnight.

Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar called it “a truly tragic incident,” extending thoughts to the families and witnesses. “We are deeply sorry for the pain this has caused,” a police spokesperson added in the latest update, acknowledging the profound impact on loved ones during the festive season.

Upham’s family paid tribute on his business’s Instagram: “Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Matthew… deeply loved and forever missed.” Tributes flooded in, highlighting his community spirit.

The incident has prompted soul-searching, with locals questioning why the unofficial swim proceeded amid cancellations elsewhere. Authorities urged no Boxing Day dips, emphasising sea dangers.

As the Jurassic Coast community grieves, this Christmas tragedy serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power – and the heroism of one stranger’s attempt to save another.