Body Discovered in Search for Antiques Dealer, 64, Who Vanished During Xmas Day Sea Swim — as Questions Remain Over Attempted Rescuer

THE body of an antiques dealer who vanished during a Christmas Day swim has been found at sea.

The man, 64, was pulled from the water near Exmouth in Devon after a large emergency services operation this afternoon.

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Flowers have been laid at the scene after the man’s body was foundCredit: BPM
 

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Matthew Upham, 64, has been found after being lost to the sea on Christmas DayCredit: KATE BUSH
It is thought to be that of Matthew Upham.

He was one of two swimmers who disappeared in stormy waves during the Christmas morning swim at the festive Budleigh Salterton.

The tragic discovery comes just days after the body of a 47-year-old man, who had heroically tried to rescue Matthew before being washed away, was recovered.

Singer Kate Bush has paid tribute to Matthew and is “heartbroken” by the death of her close friend.

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In a statement posted to her website, Bush wrote: “As you might have heard on the news. Matthew Upham was one of the swimmers who went missing in the sea in Devon on Christmas Day.

“Matthew was one of my very dearest friends. I’d known him for thirty years.”

“He was one of those people who touched everyone he met. He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full.

“He was also a great deal of fun,” she continued. “His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I.”

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“Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great love for kayaking. He understood the sea should be respected.

“It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way.”

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The body of Matthew Upham has been found, just days after the first swimmer lost to the sea on Christmas day was recovered
 

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Singer Kate Bush has led the tributes to Matthew Upham
Bush ended her tribute by saying: “The world has lost someone incredibly special.

“Thank you, Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed officers were called to the scene at around 3pm and that the body of a man was recovered along the shoreline.

A police spokesperson said: “Emergency services were called shortly before 3pm on Sunday, January 25 to Exmouth Beach following a report of a possible body seen near the shore.

“The body of a man has since been recovered. Formal identification is yet to take place, but the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton have been informed of this development.”

Last week, the body of the second man who disappeared during the swim was discovered on the shore at Sandy Bay in Exmouth.

Police and the coastguard were called to the area at 8.45am on Tuesday, January 20.

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While formal identification is yet to be carried out, officers believe the person to be the 47-year-old man who never made it back to the shore at Budleigh Salterton.

His next-of-kin has been informed.

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Flowers have been laid at the scene where two men died after entering the sea on Christmas DayCredit: BPM
 

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The Devon town is in mourning after two men died entering the sea on Christmas DayCredit: BPM