Overview
- Family named one of the missing as antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63, who was swept out to sea at Budleigh Salterton.
- A second man in his 40s is reported to be feared drowned after attempting a rescue, according to media accounts not yet officially confirmed.
- A survivor described being dragged from 6ft waves by two bystanders as strong winds and dangerous undercurrents overwhelmed swimmers during a Met Office yellow warning.
- The multi-agency response deployed RNLI lifeboats, three coastguard helicopters, fixed‑wing aircraft, and shore teams before the offshore search was stood down at about 5pm on Christmas Day.
- Several others were treated by paramedics and one person was taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as authorities urged people not to enter the water.